The Women Fellowship of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Local Church Council (LCC), Nasarawa Gwong, Jos, recently concluded a spiritually enriching week-long programme centred on the theme, ‘Becoming Like Jesus, Everyday as a Woman’ (Philippians 3:7–11). HOSEA NYAMLONG captures the inspiring highlights of the event, which drew a remarkable turnout of participants, featuring powerful worship sessions, impactful messages and a faith-driven outreach that transformed lives and renewed spiritual commitment among women of the church
The theme of the week encapsulated the essence of Christian discipleship—cultivating spiritual discipline and surrendering to the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying power to progressively reflect Christ’s character in thoughts, deeds and relationships.
Participants were reminded that embodying Jesus’ image was not about flawless perfection but gracious progress rooted in faith. They were encouraged to practice love, forgiveness, empathy and selfless service, anchored in Scripture and prayer, while mentoring one another in godly living as guided by Titus 2:3–5.
Through daily devotionals, acts of kindness and bold witness, the women demonstrated how ordinary choices can radiate Christ’s love, illuminating lives around them.
Spirit-filled worship, teaching, outreach
The week-long event featured soul-stirring worship sessions, a music concert, aerobics exercises and impactful street evangelism that fostered joy and spiritual rejuvenation.
The distinguished guest preacher, Rev. Istifanus Auta Yohanna (Vice Chairman of the COCIN Regional Church Council (RCC) Jos Jarawa and Leading Pastor of COCIN LCC Katon Rikkos) delivered insightful teachings aligned with the year’s theme.
His sermons challenged believers, both men and women, to embody Christ’s nature in all aspects of life, reminding them that the pursuit of holiness and righteousness is central to every Christian’s walk. The turnout throughout the event remained impressive, culminating in a spiritually charged Sunday service.
As part of the Fellowship’s activities, the women undertook a remarkable street evangelism outreach in Angwan Rukuba, Jos. It is noteworthy that this is a locality once infamous as ‘Filin Satan’ (‘Satan’s Arena’) but now symbolically redeemed as ‘New Jerusalem’. Guided by the Holy Spirit, they proclaimed the Gospel of Christ, spreading His message of hope and redemption to a community once engulfed in moral darkness.
Testimonies of grace, the power of God’s Word
During the outreach, sermons delivered by Elder Mrs. Jennifer Yarima, the Women Leader, and Mrs. Victoria Vou Dung drew from John 3:16, Romans 3:23, Luke 15:11–24, and Jeremiah 29:11. They emphasised God’s unconditional love and redemption through Jesus Christ, assuring listeners that despite humanity’s fallen nature, God continually seeks to restore and bless His children.
Many who encountered the women during the evangelism rededicated their lives to Christ, bearing witness to God’s manifest presence. These powerful experiences reaffirmed the potency of Scripture proclaimed in faith and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.
On Sunday, Rev. Yohanna expounded Philippians 3:7–11, exploring Apostle Paul’s passionate desire to know Christ and experience His resurrection power. He urged women to surrender their self-reliance and ambitions, embracing a life of faith and humility that reflects Christ’s character.
He reminded them that becoming like Jesus entailed sharing in His sufferings and conforming to His will. This is a dynamic process of daily renewal that transforms believers into true reflections of divine grace.
A living testament of faith, transformation
The Women Fellowship of COCIN Nasarawa Gwong Jos exemplified unwavering faith through worship, evangelism and community service, living out their theme with devotion. Their courageous outreach to Angwan Rukuba stands as a beacon of hope, showing how faith can reclaim even the darkest corners of society.
The testimonies of divine encounters, renewed faith and spiritual awakening from this event vividly captured the transformative power of surrendering to God. The sermons of Elder Mrs. Jennifer Yarima and Mrs. Victoria Vou Dung, alongside Rev. Yohanna’s powerful teachings, rekindled a collective desire to live as reflections of Christ’s light.
Ultimately, the journey of becoming like Jesus is a lifelong pilgrimage of faith, obedience and surrender. The COCIN Women Fellowship’s commitment continues to inspire countless women to persevere joyfully in their walk with God, radiating His glory and extending His redeeming love to a world yearning for His light.
MAGAZINE
Massive turnout as Tinubu, Akpabio, govs honour Prof Nentawe’s late mother
In this special report, JENNIFER YARIMA captures the grandeur, emotions and historic turnout that marked the burial of Nana Lydia Yilwatda, mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda. The city of Jos, Plateau State capital, stood still as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Governor Mutfwang and other dignitaries joined thousands of mourners to honour the late matriarch, whose funeral at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Headquarters and final interment in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area, drew unprecedented crowdS
Jos, the capital of Plateau State, witnessed an unprecedented crowd as dignitaries from across Nigeria converged for the burial of Nana Lydia Yilwatda, mother of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). She was laid to rest on Saturday, 4 October 4, 2025, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State. The funeral service, held at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Headquarters in Jos, drew eminent personalities, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Historic turnout, massive influx of guests
An eyewitness at Heipang Airport revealed that about thirty-three VIP aircraft landed in Jos that day. That was considered the largest fleet ever recorded in the airport’s recent history. The source added that thousands of supporters, well-wishers and APC loyalists thronged the airport to welcome President Tinubu, with major routes leading to the city centre lined with cheering crowds.
Hotels, particularly in the highbrow Rayfield area of Jos South LGA, were fully booked from midweek, as dignitaries and party stalwarts began arriving early. This boosted Plateau’s hospitality and tourism sectors, long celebrated under the banner of ‘Home of Peace and Tourism’. Hotels such as Crispan, Silk and Elim reportedly ran out of rooms even days before the event.
President Tinubu’s message of peace, unity
President Tinubu, in his address during the funeral, underscored the importance of peace, unity and religious tolerance in the nation. Using his own family as an example, he noted that despite being a Muslim married to a Christian, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, religion had never divided their household. He urged Nigerians to emulate the late Nana Lydia’s virtues of love, integrity and compassion.
In his tribute, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda described his late mother as a “dedicated, committed and loving wife who lived a life of service to humanity.” He recalled how she instilled in him the values of faith, hard work and integrity, while expressing gratitude to President Tinubu, governors, members of the National Assembly and other Nigerians for their support during his time of grief.
The event also became a platform for President Tinubu to reiterate his call for national unity, urging Nigerians to rise above religious and ethnic divisions, stressing that mutual respect and harmony were essential for national stability.
Drama at the COCIN headquarters
A tense situation unfolded at the COCIN Headquarters during the funeral service when security personnel barred COCIN President, Rev. Dr Amos Mozho, and several pastors from entering the sanctuary to conduct the rites, citing lack of proper identification. The action led to a heated altercation, with clergy insisting they should be granted access to proceed with the funeral service.
Eyewitnesses described the incident as regrettable and called for better coordination between security agencies and church officials in future. Two female journalists who were covering the incident were briefly detained by security operatives for broadcasting the confrontation but were later released.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has since apologised for the incident and promised to sanction the officers involved for failing to exercise restraint and follow due protocol.
A retired security expert, General John Sura, who headed the internal security local organising committee, described the event’s security operations as largely successful despite minor hitches. “I give it a pass mark—an A with 70 percent—from wake-keep to the church,” he said. “When Mr President is moving, the whole presidency moves, and the military and DSS are held responsible for his safety. They would not compromise such arrangements.”
General Sura admitted that communication lapses caused the minor skirmishes, noting, “Next time, we should ensure proper identification for stakeholders and VVIPs.” He urged Plateau citizens across party lines to rally behind Professor Nentawe, describing him as “the face of Plateau at the national level,” and appealed to Governor Mutfwang to synergise with him for the good of the state.
Eyewitness accounts, side attractions
Another attendee, Mrs Dorcas Bokson, recounted that the turnout at the burial “felt as if the whole country was in Plateau.” She, however, lamented the shortage of food and drinks due to the overwhelming crowd. “It was okay to have such a crowd because of Nentawe’s position in the country, but some committee members failed in their duties. I know about twenty caterers were contracted, but only a few kept faith,” she said.
Bokson also decried instances of favouritism, saying, “Godfatherism played out even at such a moment. Contracts were awarded to family and friends regardless of their capacity.”
Reports indicated that each caterer allegedly received a cow, one million naira and other food items, yet many guests struggled to find food and water. Efforts to reach the leadership of the COCIN Headquarters for comment on the skirmishes proved abortive.
At Dungung village, side attractions included musical and cultural performances by popular Ngas artiste Dantala and his group, who entertained guests alongside other dance troupes celebrating the life of the late matriarch.
Tributes, final remarks
The funeral was attended by several dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, governors Caleb Mutfwang and Dapo Abiodun and other top political figures. Akpabio, visibly impressed by the warm reception and massive turnout, praised Governor Mutfwang: “Your Excellency, the Governor of Plateau State, I thank you. From the airport to this place, thousands of Plateau people came out. There is no doubt that heaven has registered your presence, and victory shall continue to be yours in Jesus’ name.”
In a humorous condolence remark, he told Professor Nentawe, “Be consoled that your mother chose the right time to die.”
Overwhelmed by the support, Professor Nentawe emotionally told the President, “I am now an orphan, Your Excellency. You are now my father from today, as I neither have a father nor a mother. I offer myself as your first son.”
President Tinubu, smiling, replied, “A good son was invited to make a national service. Nentawe, I don’t run an orphanage, but I wholeheartedly grant your request. We may need a family meeting to sort out lingering claims within the family—but I am sure I will not write a will.”
Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude to the visiting dignitaries, saying, “On behalf of the hospitable people of Plateau State, I wholeheartedly welcome you and all these great Nigerians to our dear state. We are sincerely grateful.”
The funeral, marked by grandeur, emotion and moments of mild tension, ultimately reflected a celebration of life for a woman remembered for her faith, humility and service — Mama Nana Lydia Yilwatda, a matriarch whose legacy endures.