His Royal Majesty, Orchivirigh Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, the Tor Tiv and Paramount Ruler of the Tiv Nation, today bestowed the revered traditional chieftaincy title of Zegebar-u-Tiv on Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and his wife, Dr. Martina Nentawe Yilwatda.

The historic conferment ceremony took place at the iconic J.S. Tarka Stadium in Gboko, Benue State, in the presence of the Tiv Traditional Council, dignitaries, political associates, traditional leaders, and well-wishers from across Nigeria.

The honour recognizes the couple’s outstanding contributions to national unity, social harmony, community development, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence in the Middle Belt region. Prof. Yilwatda, hailing from Plateau State, has long been celebrated for his role as a bridge-builder between communities, while Dr. Martina Yilwatda is admired for her impactful work in education, gender empowerment, and public health initiatives.

In a statement from the Yilwatda family, the title was described as symbolizing the deep sociocultural bonds between the peoples of Plateau and Benue States. “This exceptional honour reflects Prof. Nentawe’s warm relationship with the Tiv nation and his reputation as a reform advocate,” the statement noted.

The event featured a vibrant display of Tiv culture, followed by a grand reception, underscoring themes of unity and leadership. Guests praised the conferment as a milestone in fostering inter-community relations in Nigeria’s North Central region.