A former Military Governor of Plateau and Katsina states, retired General Lawrence Onoja, has expressed sadness at the demise of Madam Lydia Yilwatda, the mother of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, describing it as a personal loss.
Late Madam Lydia passed on, on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital at the age of 83.
Extending his heartfelt condolences to Prof. Yilwatda, Onoja, who is also a former Principal General Staff Officer (Chief of Staff), State House, stated that the death of Mama Lydia Yilwatda is not only a loss to her immediate family, but also to the entire peace-loving people of Plateau State and the nation.
He disclosed that he felt the loss personally, given his years of association with the good people of Plateau State, having served as a military governor of the state from 1986-1988 and later the G.O.C., 3 Armoured Division, Jos.
While describing Plateau State as his second home, the retired general lamented that the late Mama Lydia departed at a time when her sound moral and religious views on issues were much needed in the ongoing peace-building efforts in the state.
He therefore urged the APC national chairman and the entire people of Plateau State to be comforted by the selfless life service to humanity she lives.
Recalling Mama Lydia’s devotion to advancing the gospel of Christ as a notable woman leader in the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), the former military governor said she served God for many years across several northern states, alongside her late husband, Reverend Toma Goshewe Yilwatda.
“She would be sorely missed,” the elder statesman grieved, even as he prayed God to grant Prof. Yilwatda and his immediate family the grace to bear the irreparable loss.
“May God grant the soul of the departed mother eternal rest. My dear Prof. Yilwatda, I encourage you to reflect on and be strengthened by the positive impact of community service and goodwill to others your late mother left behind,” Onoja stated.
