APC National Chair Yilwatda emerges Blueprint’s 2025 Person of the Year

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has been named Blueprint Newspapers Limited’s 2025 Person of the Year, in recognition of his leadership, contributions to democratic governance and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s political institutions.

The highest annual recognition by Blueprint Newspapers Limited celebrates individuals whose actions, leadership and public service have made a profound impact on national development during the year under review.

Managing Director of Blueprint Newspapers Limited, Salisu Umar, said Professor Yilwatda emerged after a rigorous assessment of public office holders, political leaders and distinguished Nigerians whose contributions have significantly shaped the nation’s political, economic and social landscape.

He said the award acknowledges Professor Yilwatda’s exemplary leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress at a defining moment in the country’s democratic journey.

“Since assuming office as National Chairman, Professor Yilwatda has demonstrated an inclusive and result-oriented approach to party administration, promoting internal cohesion, strengthening the party’s structures and providing effective leadership across its organs.

“Under his stewardship, the APC has continued to consolidate its position as Nigeria’s governing party through improved internal coordination, wider stakeholder engagement and renewed emphasis on unity among party leaders and members across the federation,” he said.

He also cited Yilwatda’s reputation for integrity, discipline and public service, describing him as a leader who combines academic excellence, professional competence and practical political experience in advancing democratic governance.

He said the award also recognises his commitment to consensus building, peaceful conflict resolution and institutional reforms aimed at deepening the democratic culture within the APC and strengthening confidence in the country’s political process.

About Professor Yilwatda

Professor Yilwatda is an academic, engineer, technocrat and politician. Renowned for his contributions to higher education, digital innovation, electoral reform and public administration, he has built a distinguished career spanning the academia, technology, governance and politics.

Born on August 8, 1968 in Dungung, Kanke local government area of Plateau state, he was raised in a family that values education, integrity and service. He attended Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri; earned a Bachelor’s degree from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi; a Master’s degree from the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi; and a PhD in Electronic and Computer Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Professor Yilwatda spent over 26 years at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, where he served as the pioneer Director of ICT, leading major digital transformation initiatives that modernised the institution’s administrative and academic processes. His outstanding service earned him the university’s Best Staff and Best Director awards.

A respected ICT consultant, he worked with organisations including the European Union, UNICEF, the World Bank and TECHVILE USA, championing technology-driven governance, institutional reforms and improved public service delivery.

In 2017, he was appointed Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), where he contributed to electoral reforms, the deployment of technology in elections and initiatives that expanded voting access for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

He resigned from INEC in 2021 to contest the Plateau state governorship election on the APC platform and later coordinated the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign in Plateau state during the 2023 general elections.

Professor Yilwatda subsequently served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, where he promoted transparency, data-driven governance and stronger partnerships to improve humanitarian interventions and social protection programmes.

He has also served on the Presidential Economic Management Team and chaired the Euro-African Dialogue on Migration and Development, contributing to national and international policy discussions.