The Plateau Publishers’ Association (PPA) has joined in mourning the passing of Mama Lydia Nentawe Yilwada, mother of the National Chairman of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda. Mama Lydia died on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at the age of 83.

In a condolence letter signed by the Association’s Electoral Committee Chairman Mr. Shabul Mazadu and the secretary comrade Nanzing Zingkong, the PPA described the late matriarch as “a woman of humility, hard work, and faith whose values are reflected in the virtues embodied by her son as a leader.”

The letter noted that Mama Lydia’s passing was not only a personal loss to the Yilwada family but also deeply felt across Plateau State and Nigeria, where her life of discipline, service, and godliness touched many. “At a time like this, words may not fully ease the pain of your loss, but we pray that you find strength and comfort in God Almighty, who alone gives peace that surpasses understanding,” the statement read.

Member organizations of the PPA that endorsed the condolence message include: Chief Nanyah Daman (NewsGate Magazine), Shabul Mazadu (The Beacon Newspaper), Nanzing Zingkong (NewsScribe Newspaper), Genius Nanfa (Factfinder Newspaper), Michael Nangwang (Frank News Magazine), Anastasia Jatbyen (The Emerald News Magazine), Jatdul Andrew (The Age Newspaper), Danladi Nanman (The Prompt Newspaper Online), Vanessa Timbyen (The Trust News Online), Gwakzing Hosea (The Compass News Online), Nanpon Maigemu (The Reliable and Factual News Online), Nden Dalen (The Middle Belt Voice Online), Daniel Kura (Newsparrot Newspaper), Justin Jattim (Jat HotNews Newspaper), Labaran Ahmed (Global News), Alex Giwa (G-News), Lilian Madaki (Sawabiya News), Yakubu Ventim (Daily Union), Enoch Sharks (NewsCrest Newspaper), David Kazi (Ace News Online), Phillip Zhatau (National Rescue Newspaper), Yakubu Ajala (Express Journal), Charles Amedu (Star Pointer Newspaper), Emi Osai (National Crusader Magazine), Florence Osai (Times Newspaper) and Peter Okuku (Photo News and Views Online).

Responding on behalf of the family, former Plateau State Commissioner for Information, Nde Gideon Barde, thanked the Association for standing with the Yilwada family in their time of grief. He recalled that Mama Lydia had endured illness for over 47 years but lived long enough to witness her seven children thrive in life.

Barde emphasized that Mama found joy in seeing her eldest son, Prof. Nentawe, elevated to national leadership. “Since the days of Chief Solomon Lar in 1978, no Plateau son has risen to lead a national political party until Nentawe. He is an ambassador of peace who believes in the acceleration of Plateau State and Nigeria,” he said.

He further urged Plateau journalists to champion the cause of Prof. Nentawe, whom he described as a leader chosen by God and endorsed by the international community for his benevolence and commitment to national unity.

The visit concluded with prayers for divine comfort upon the Yilwada family and the peaceful repose of Mama Lydia’s soul.