The Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the senator representing Ogun West, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), have condoled with the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, on the passing of his mother, Mama Lydia Yilwatda.
PGF’s Chairman and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma delivered the forum’s condolence message to Yilwatda yesterday in Abuja.
In a statement he sent from Owerri, the Imo State capital, to the APC national chairman in Abuja, Governor Uzodimma noted that Mama Lydia passed on when her wise counsel and maternal presence were still greatly needed.
“Though she departed at the age of 83, Mama Lydia Yilwatda lived as a pillar of strength not only to her immediate family but also to the larger society. She embodied the Christian virtues of humility, patience, and compassion. Together with her husband, she laboured selflessly to raise her children both physically and spiritually, producing the remarkable successes we see today,” the statement said.
The PGF chairman urged Prof. Yilwatda and his family members to take solace in the impactful life Mama Lydia lived and to be comforted by the Christian hope of resurrection.
“As Christians, we believe that death is not an end but a transition to eternal life. With this hope, we are confident that you shall be reunited with your dear mother in Heaven.
“On behalf of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, I extend my heartfelt condolences to our National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and the entire Yilwatda family. May Mama Lydia’s gentle soul rest in peace.”
In a condolence message through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, Senator Akpabio described the late Mama Lydia as “a caring and loving mother, who sacrificed for her children and the family at large”.
The Senate President noted that though Mama died at the ripe age of 83, her motherly care and counsel were still needed by her son and the current generation.
Akpabio said he was consoled by the fact that the late Mama Lydia lived a life of service and together with her late husband, Rev. Toma Yilwatda, played their roles diligently as parents, by “training their children, who are now contributing positively to the development of the society.”
The statement added: “Mama Lydia will forever be remembered for her legacies as a pillar of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), particularly the women’s wing, and the mother of the national chairman of the ruling party. Mama’s death is a big loss to the Yilwatda Family and the good people of Plateau State, but, indeed, the entire nation.
“On behalf of my family, constituents, the 10th Senate, and the entire National Assembly, I extend my sincere condolences to our national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, over this sad occurrence.
“I pray that the Almighty God will have mercy on Mama Lydia’s soul and also comfort the family at this time of grief. May Mama’s memories be a source of strength and inspiration during this period of mourning.”
Also, Adeola, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, conveyed the condolences in a statement by his media adviser, Chief Kayode Odunaro.
The senator expressed sadness “at the great personal loss suffered by the family”.
He described the departure of Mama Lydia Yilwatda as a great loss to Plateau and Nigeria.
“There is no doubt that the family of Professor Yilwatda lost a devoted matriarch and virtuous woman whose absence will create a vacuum.
“More importantly, the nation lost a great woman whose wise counsel would have been invaluable to present and upcoming generations,” Adeola said.
According to him, the deceased was a respected Christian and community leader who stood by her late clergy husband.
He added that the late Mama Lydia lived a fulfilled life of accomplishments and positive contributions to society.
Adeola prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and fortitude for the immediate family of the departed to bear the loss.
