"Engineer Yakubu, Dr. Deshi Pay Tribute to Late Mama Lydia Yilwatda"

By Abdullahi Alhassan

Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria

September 30, 2025

(Series News Online)

Engineer Andrew Yakubu, the former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and Dr. Peter Deshi, Chairman of the Interim Management Committee of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) International Golf Club in Abuja, paid a condolence visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, at his residence.

The visit was to express their condolences following the passing of Mama Lydia Yilwatda, the mother of the National Chairman, who died at the age of 83 at the Jos University Teaching Hospital. Yakubu and Dr. Deshi described the late Mama Lydia as a devoted Christian, a virtuous woman leader, and a pillar of the Church of Christ in Nations.

"Her death is not only a personal loss to the National Chairman but also to the entire APC family in Plateau State and across the country," they stated. They noted that Mama Lydia, along with her late husband, Reverend Toma Goshewe Yilwatda, made significant contributions to the growth of the church in Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, and Plateau states.

The duo expressed their shock at the news of her passing, emphasizing the impact of her death on the Yilwatda family. "There is no doubt that the late Mama’s passing is painful and devastating to the Yilwatda family, especially at a time when her motherly advice and prayers were most needed, particularly by Professor Yilwatda," they said.

However, they took comfort in the legacy she left behind, which is evident in her accomplished children. "Her demise is a great loss to the Church, the Women’s Fellowship, and Plateau State," they added.

In sharing their condolences, the duo prayed for the eternal rest of Mama Lydia's soul. "We pray for God to bless and repose the soul of the departed," they said. Engineer Andrew Yakubu and Dr. Peter Deshi once again expressed their sympathy to the Yilwatda family, wishing them strength and comfort during this difficult time.