Maureen Okpe
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, have extended their condolences to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, following the death of his mother, Mama Lydia Yilwatda.
Mama Lydia passed on at the age of 83 on Sunday morning, August 17, 2025, at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State, after a brief illness.
Her passing has drawn tributes from across Nigeria’s political landscape, with many describing her as a woman of faith and strong moral values who contributed immensely to her community.
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In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Mama Lydia as a virtuous woman who lived a life of faith, service, and community upliftment.
The President urged the APC Chairman to accept her passing as the will of Almighty God, while drawing strength from the impactful life she lived.
“President Bola Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, on the passing of his mother, Mama Lydia Yilwatda,” the statement read.
“The President prays for the repose of the soul of Mama Yilwatda and beseeches God to grant Prof. Yilwatda, the entire family and all those Mama left behind the strength to bear the loss.”
Similarly, Governor Hyacinth Alia described the death of Mama Lydia as a huge loss not only to the Yilwatda family and Plateau State but to the entire nation.
In a press release signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, the Benue State Governor extolled Mama Lydia’s legacy of humility, resilience, and selfless service.
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“On behalf of the government and people of Benue State, I extend my deepest condolences to Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and his family on the loss of their beloved matriarch, Mama Lydia Yilwatda.
“Her passing leaves behind a void that is deeply felt, not only by her family but by all those whose lives she touched with her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering faith,” Governor Alia stated.
He further described Mama Lydia as a pillar of strength and a role model, particularly commending her contributions to the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) and the wider Dungung community in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State.
“Her dedication to the spiritual and social growth of her community, alongside her late husband, Reverend Toma Goshwe Yilwatda, is a testament to her deep commitment to God and humanity,” the Governor added.
Governor Alia urged the APC National Chairman and the Yilwatda family to find comfort in the purposeful and impactful life their matriarch lived. He prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul and God’s continued strength for the family during this period of mourning.