Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda (born 8 August 1968) is a Nigerian politician, engineer, and academic who serves as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria, appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in October 2024.[1] [2] . Nentawe was the flagrunner for his party in the 2023 gubernatorial elections in Plateau state.[3] Between July 2017 - December 2021, he held the position of resident electoral commissioner in Benue state.[4] Also, he was ICT director in Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi for 12 years.[5]
Nentawe was born on 8th August 1968 in Dungung, Kanke. From 1981-1986, he attended Boy's Secondary School, (BSS) Gindiri.
He would later secure admission into Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.
Nentawe was selected as the coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organization in Plateau state during the 2023 General Elections. He and the ex-governor of Plateau state, Simon Lalong maintain a solid relationship. After Plateau state Ministerial slot became vacant following Lalong's emergence as the senator representing Plateau South senatorial district, party chieftains and political groups canvassed for Nentawe to be nominated to replace Lalong.[6] [7]
He challenged the victory of Peoples Democratic Party (Nigeria) in Plateau state 2023 gubernatorial elections at the court. After the apex court ruled in favor of the People's Democratic Party, Nentawe accepted the judgement.[8]
In the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nentawe headed the ICT unit.
Afterwards, he was appointed as the resident electoral commissioner, Benue State.[9] He resigned from this position to contest for Gubernatorial primaries in All Progressives Congress.[10]
In 2017, president Muhammadu Buhari appointed Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda as Benue state resident electoral commissioner. To address the prevalence of disenfranchisement of Internally displaced person, Nentawe was involved in the successful management of voting in IDP camp and for people living with disabilities. Other contributions made was in the assessment of electronic voting system.
Nentawe served as the director of ICT developing a 10-year ICT strategy plan encompassing ICT architecture and information flows associated with the various functions, processes, and key reports that the system will need to generate on a regular basis.
He was a member of the University's Senate from 2006 to 2017.
Nentawe is a Christian. He is married to Dr Martina Yilwatda Goshwe. He lives in Rayfield, Jos South.
Nentawe was among awardees at the Top 50 Digital Economy Leaders event organized by IT Edge News Africa. He was a keynote speaker at the event.[11]
Best director of the year in Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi in 2012.