
By Our Reporter
As condolences continue to pour in following the passing of Mama Lydia Yilwatda, mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, one tribute stands out for its depth and heartfelt sincerity, that of Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, the lawmaker representing Nasarawa West Senatorial District.
In a moving tribute that has resonated widely across Nigeria’s political and social circles, Senator Wadada described the late Mama Lydia not just as a devoted mother, but as a matriarch whose influence extended far beyond her immediate family.
“She was more than a mother to her children, she was a mother figure to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her,” Senator Wadada said, underscoring her impact on community and country.
Mama Lydia, as remembered by Senator Wadada, was a woman of deep faith, humility, and compassion. Her quiet life, he said, was one of powerful influence, marked by honesty, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to serving humanity.
“These values, which she not only lived by but passed on to her children, are clearly visible in the leadership style of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda,” he noted, drawing a direct link between the virtues of the mother and the accomplishments of the son.
To many, she was a silent force behind generations of wisdom, shaping lives with her devotion to family, community, and God. Senator Wadada particularly highlighted her embodiment of patience and resilience, qualities that made her a beacon of strength and comfort.
Reflecting on the emotional weight of losing a mother, Senator Wadada captured the universal pain of such a loss: “It is the loss of a fountain of love, counsel, and comfort.” Yet, even in mourning, he called on the Yilwatda family and the larger APC community to find strength in Mama Lydia’s enduring legacy.
“Her life continues to inspire us. Even in her passing, she strengthens the resolve of those she left behind to live by her values,” he said.
His words painted a portrait not just of a family elder, but of a woman whose influence quietly helped shape a generation of leaders and community builders.
In his final remarks, Senator Wadada offered both a eulogy and a prayer, expressing confidence that Mama Lydia has gone to rest in eternal peace.
“She has run her race with dignity, she has kept the faith, and she has gone to rest with her Creator. May her soul find peace everlasting. Adieu Mama Lydia,” he concluded.
As the nation joins in mourning, Mama Lydia Yilwatda is remembered not only for the family she raised, but for the values she embodied, values that continue to ripple through the lives she touched. In the words of Senator Wadada, hers was a life that left “indelible footprints on the sands of time.”
