The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has vowed to uphold the legacy of service and sacrifice instilled in him by his late mother, Mama Lydia Yilwatda.
Yilwatda made this known on Tuesday in Abuja when he received the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali M. Ali, and his management team, who paid him a condolence visit.
Describing the death of a mother as a painful loss, Yilwatda noted that the bond he shared with Mama Lydia was unique, especially as her first child after seven years of waiting.
“As a firstborn and even after seven years of no child, the bond between me and my mother is indescribable. She devoted a great deal of her time and resources to our upbringing. My joy is that mama left a legacy of service to be emulated by all her children, and this is what will continue to inspire me to do more for Nigerians, regardless of party, religion, or social standing,” he said.
Mama Lydia Yilwatda, aged 83, passed away on Saturday after a brief illness. She was described as a devout Christian, a virtuous leader, and a strong pillar of the Church of Christ in Nations.
Turning to national issues, Yilwatda spoke on the recent by-election success recorded by the APC, which he said reflected Nigerians’ growing confidence in the ruling party. He emphasized that APC remains committed to safeguarding the present and future of the country, with particular attention to the youth.
“What happened during the by-election was a sign that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is making an impact across the country. The government has been able to stabilize the nation and carry out massive infrastructure development across regions. No section can truthfully say that nothing is being done in a particular area,” he said.
The APC chairman further pledged to serve as the voice of the voiceless and to give adequate attention to all shades of opinions. He also commended NAN for its professionalism and objectivity in reporting, despite being a government-owned media organisation.
“I want to thank the News Agency of Nigeria because I have been reading your reports, and I must say they are very objective. You give everyone the chance to air their views without compromising professional ethics. We will continue to partner with NAN because we have a lot to tell Nigerians about the achievements of the APC and the administration of President Tinubu. NAN is a veritable tool because of its wide reach and credibility both within and outside Nigeria,” Yilwatda stated.
In his response, Malam Ali urged the APC chairman to take the loss as the will of God, noting that mothers remain the crown of every child. He said Mama Lydia’s life should be celebrated, as she lived long enough to witness her son’s rise through education, academics, and politics.
“It is painful for a child to lose a mother at any time because of the special bond that exists. But with your achievements and contributions to the nation, your mother’s legacy will surely live on. This is a moment for thanksgiving, knowing she left behind a fulfilled life,” Ali said.
He further assured that NAN would continue to uphold its mandate of unbiased reporting in line with the vision of its founding fathers.
Members of the NAN management team who accompanied the MD included Khaliel Abduhadi, Special Adviser to the MD; Stephen Igiewe, Acting Director of Administration and Human Resources; Ismail Abdulaziz, Head of Multimedia and Board Secretary; and Ngozi Anofochi.
