PROFILE NEWS: Meet the new APC National Chairman – Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda
By Kunle Sanni –
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has ushered in a new era of leadership by naming Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda as its National Chairman.
A seasoned engineer, academic, and public policy expert, Professor Yilwatda brings a blend of technocratic competence and grassroots political experience to the role.
Born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, Dr. Yilwatda hails from a deeply religious family. He is the son of the late Reverend and Mrs. Toma Yilwatda.
Dr. Yilwatda was the APC governorship candidate for Plateau State in the 2023 general elections. Though he did not emerge victorious, his campaign left a lasting impression, especially with his focus on digital governance, transparency, and youth engagement.
An academic powerhouse, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (1992). He went further to earn a Master of Engineering from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, and later obtained a Ph.D. in Digital Systems Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Dr. Yilwatda has received international training in Electronic Governance Structures at the United Nations University International Institute for Software Technology in Macau, China—an experience that has shaped his vision for technology-driven governance.
Professionally, he has served as a project consultant on Nigeria’s first Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS), working with key national institutions such as the Ministry of Finance, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), and others.
He also contributed to the successful implementation of the Nigeria Education and Research Network (NgREN) under the World Bank STEP-B Project, which aimed at enhancing ICT infrastructure in tertiary education.
Before his new political elevation, Dr. Yilwatda was a Minister-designate for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, reflecting his growing influence in both policy and politics.
