Profile of Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, career achievements, net worth, appointment

In this post, News360 Nigeria chronicles the profile of newly appointed appointed Minister of humanitarian affairs, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda.

Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, a distinguished academic, politician, and expert in digital systems and energy engineering, has been appointed as Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.c

His career is marked by his academic brilliance and dedication to public service.

Profile summary

Name: Nentawe Yilwatda

Born: August 8, 1968

State of origin: Plateau State

Education: Federal University of Agriculture

Religion: Christianity

Marital status: Married

Career: Politician

Birth

Born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State into the family of Late Rev. and Mrs. Toma Yilwatda.

Education

Nentawe began his education at LGED Primary School, Dungung, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1981. He proceeded to Boys Secondary School, Gindiri, and earned his GCE (O/Level) in 1986.

In pursuit of higher education, he obtained a degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, in 1992.

He later earned a Master’s degree from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, and a PhD in Digital Systems and Computer Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

He also received training at the United Nations University International Institute for Software Technology in Macau, China, specializing in Building Electronic Governance Structures.

Career

Dr. Nentawe began his career as an assistant lecturer at Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, in 1995.

He later spent over two decades lecturing at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, serving in various roles, including Head of Department and Director of Information Technology.

His academic career was marked by his commitment to advancing digital systems and energy solutions in Nigeria.

In 2017, he was appointed as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Benue State by then-President Muhammadu Buhari.

During his tenure at INEC, he oversaw several key elections, including the recall process of Senator Dino Melaye and the Rivers State Governorship election in 2019.

He advocated for voting rights for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and managed electoral processes under challenging circumstances.

In December 2021, Dr. Nentawe resigned from INEC to pursue a political career, contesting in the 2023 Plateau State gubernatorial election.

Though he narrowly lost, his campaign highlighted his innovative vision for development, focusing on digital governance and energy reforms.

Political journey

In 2021, Yilwatda resigned from INEC to pursue a political career. His campaign for Plateau State governor was marked by his innovative ACEES agenda, which gained significant support, particularly among the youth.

However, his alignment with the All Progressives Congress (APC) stirred controversy. Some accused former governor Simon Lalong of unduly influencing the party primaries in his favor, though Yilwatda denied these claims.

Despite running a strong campaign, the 2023 election took on religious and ethnic dimensions that ultimately swung the vote in favor of the opposition, resulting in a narrow loss to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Following the election, Yilwatda rejected the results, citing alleged irregularities. He filed a petition with the Plateau State Election Tribunal, which upheld the PDP candidate’s victory.

Yilwatda has yet to publicly accept the tribunal’s decision and may appeal the case to the Supreme Court.

Ministerial appointment

As the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Nentawe brings a wealth of experience in governance, technology, and community service.

His expertise in digital systems and his deep understanding of Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges position him to effectively address issues of poverty and humanitarian concerns, particularly through the use of innovative technology and governance frameworks.

Personal life

Yilwatda is a devoted Christian and a member of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), where his late father served.

He is married to Dr. Martina Yilwatda, and they have one son.

Net worth

Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda net worth could not be accessed as at the time of this post, News360 Nigeria will update it in due time.