Yemi Kosoko in Jos
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms are already reshaping Nigeria’s financial landscape, restoring investor confidence and laying the groundwork for the administration’s ambitious $1 trillion GDP target.
Speaking at the Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Colloquium 2.0 held in his honour in Jos to mark his 58th birthday, the APC Chairman said Tinubu’s bold policy decisions long avoided by previous administrations have begun yielding measurable gains.
Prof. Yilwatda told participants that Nigeria’s economic growth has, for the first time in years, outpaced population growth.
He noted that the country’s GDP has risen from below $300 billion to about $375 billion within two years, a development he attributed to decisive reforms.
“For the first time, our exports have exceeded our imports. Investors are returning to Nigeria because confidence has returned. The productive economy we have long desired is beginning to emerge,” he said.
He highlighted ongoing investments in deep seaports, rail lines, highways and inland dry ports, describing them as critical infrastructure that will lower business costs, expand trade and position Nigeria as the economic hub of West and Central Africa.
According to him, every kilometre of road constructed “represents increased commerce, improved security and accelerated economic development.”
Prof. Yilwatda described President Tinubu’s economic vision as a long-term national development strategy rather than a pursuit of short-term political gains.
“President Tinubu has a master plan. He is not building for today alone; he is building a future that our children and grandchildren will inherit.”
He expressed gratitude to the APC leadership in Plateau State for supporting his political rise, acknowledging former Governor Simon Bako Lalong and other party leaders. He also thanked President Tinubu for entrusting him with national responsibilities.
Calling himself the President’s “chief campaigner,” Yilwatda pledged to mobilise nationwide support for Tinubu’s re-election bid, expressing confidence that the APC would win the 2027 general elections.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, represented by the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, commended Nentawe for strengthening the APC, expanding its membership and conducting nationwide primaries with minimal disputes.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, in a keynote speech, described Nentawe as an accomplished academic, technocrat and administrator whose leadership continues to inspire young Nigerians.
“Leadership is ultimately a sacred trust. It demands vision beyond personal ambition; history does not merely record titles; it remembers impact.”
Mutfwang praised the colloquium’s organisers mostly Plateau youths for celebrating ideas, character and excellence, noting that Nentawe’s life exemplifies discipline, scholarship and service to humanity.
He also highlighted Tinubu’s $1 trillion economy target and the reforms designed to achieve it, including subsidy removal, tax restructuring and increased investment in infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing and technology
National Convener of the colloquium, Comrade Gaknung Seri, said the event was conceived to document Nentawe’s contributions to education, leadership and national development.
He described the APC Chairman as a symbol of selfless service whose mentorship and commitment to youth development have transformed lives across Nigeria.
Seri said the colloquium aims to preserve Nentawe’s values and inspire young Nigerians to embrace integrity, excellence and service to humanity.