Prominent Nigerians have sent messages of sympathy to the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Umo Eno who has lost his wife, Patience.
Recall that the government of Akwa Ibom State on Friday announced the death of the governor’s wife “following an illness.”
The commissioner for information, Mr Ini Ememobong, who disclosed the First Lady’s death in a statement entitled ‘Unexpected sunset’ said Mrs Eno died at a hospital on September 26, 2024.
Ememobong conveyed the governor’s appreciation to those “who have stood by the first family in this period and assures all the citizens that despite this huge personal loss, his commitment to the service of the state is unwavering.”
The statement reads: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of the Wife of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Her Excellency, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, following an illness.
“She passed away peacefully at the hospital on 26th September 2024, in the presence of her family.
“The family submits to the will of the Almighty and asks for the prayers and support of kind-hearted individuals during this difficult time.
“Further details will be provided by the family as necessary. In the meantime, the family kindly requests privacy as they mourn their beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.
“His Excellency, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno appreciates all who have stood by the first family in this period and assures all the citizens that despite this huge personal loss, his commitment to the service of the state is unwavering.”
Reacting to the news, President Bola Tinubu expressed sorrow at the death of the governor’s wife saying the deceased “embodied humility, resilience, and loyalty.”
Spokesman for the president on information and strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga said in a statement that the president lauded the deceased ‘Golden Initiative for All’ programme which she used to demonstrate “her passion for serving the people and residents of Akwa Ibom state with love, honesty, and dedication, leaving a positive impact that will continue to inspire future generations.”
The statement reads: “On behalf of the Federal Government, the President commiserates with the Eno family, the government, and the people of Akwa Ibom state during this grim time.
“The President joins them in mourning the painful and profound loss of the state’s First Lady, who has supported Governor Eno’s administration.
“The President affirms that Patience Eno, as the wife to a visionary governor and an ordained gospel minister, embodied humility, resilience, and loyalty.
“President Tinubu acknowledges that through her ‘Golden Initiative for All,’ she demonstrated her passion for serving the people and residents of Akwa Ibom state with love, honesty, and dedication, leaving a positive impact that will continue to inspire future generations.
“He trusts that her selfless service to improve the lives of women, children, and the vulnerable will forever remain an important part of Akwa Ibom’s history, a legacy that will continue to inspire and be appreciated by future generations.
“President Tinubu commits the grieving family, friends, and relatives to the comfort of the eternal God, who is the source of life and holds the future of all creation in his hands.
“He expresses his trust in their resilience and strength during this challenging time, offering reassurance and support.”
Similarly, the governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, condoled with his Akwa Ibom counterpart on the wife’s passing.
Sanwo-Olu said in a statement by his spokesman, Mr Gboyega Akosile, said Mrs Eno was “widely loved for her compassionate leadership” and prayed to God to grant her eternal rest.
The statement reads in part: “On behalf of my wife, Ibijoke and family, the government and people of Lagos State, it is with a deep sense of sorrow that I commiserate with my brother Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on the passing of his beloved wife, Pastor (Mrs) Patience Umo Eno.
“I also express my deepest condolences to the people of Akwa Ibom State and the entire Eno family, as well as wives of all the state governors in Nigeria over the demise of the Akwa Ibom First Lady.
“Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno was not just a wife and mother, but a soul mate and pillar of support to our brother, Governor Eno. She supported thousands of people in Akwa Ibom State through the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), a foundation that focused on providing shelter, food, and education to the poor and vulnerable in Akwa Ibom.
“The First Lady, fondly referred to as Eka Iberedem Akwa Ibom, meaning “Mother and Strong Pillar of Akwa Ibom,” was widely loved for her compassionate leadership and humanitarian work in Akwa Ibom during her lifetime.
“I pray that the Almighty God will grant the deceased eternal rest and Governor Umo Eno, the entire family, and the people of Akwa Ibom the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
The Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF) commiserated with Eno on the loss, describing the deceased as a “remarkable woman,” a “devoted partner to the governor,” and a “pillar of strength and inspiration.”
In a statement signed by governor of Ogun State and chairman of the SGF, Mr Dapo Abiodun, the forum recalled her tireless efforts in uplifting the less privileged and advocating for the welfare of women and children in Akwa Ibom State.
The SGF further said she was a beacon of hope whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of many.
The statement reads: “We extend our deepest condolences to Governor Pastor Umo Eno on the tragic passing of his beloved wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno. A remarkable woman, Pastor Patience was not only a devoted partner to the Governor but also a pillar of strength and inspiration to countless individuals in Akwa Ibom State in particular and Nigeria in general.
“Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno dedicated her life to serving others, embodying the values of compassion, faith, and resilience. Her tireless efforts in uplifting the less privileged and advocating for the welfare of women and children in Akwa Ibom State have left an indelible mark. She was a beacon of hope whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of many.
“In this time of profound grief, we stand in solidarity with Governor Umo Eno and the entire Umo Eno family. The loss of a cherished spouse is a pain that words cannot fully express.
“We encourage our friend and colleague, Governor Umo Eno, to find solace in the love and memories shared with Pastor Patience, as well as in the support of family, friends, and the people of Akwa Ibom State who mourn alongside him.
“May her soul rest in peace, and may God grant comfort to all who knew and loved her”.
For his part, the governor of Cross River State, Mr Bassey Otu, sympathised with Eno on the loss, saying the state was “profoundly saddened” by the news of the governor’s wife’s passing.
“The Government and citizens of Cross River State stand in solidarity with the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, in mourning the loss of his beloved wife, Her Excellency Pastor Patience Umo Eno.”
“In Cross River State, as a sister state, we are profoundly saddened by this news, yet we humbly accept the decree of her Creator and draw solace from the timeless wisdom found in the Scriptures, particularly in Ecclesiastes Chapter 3, which reminds us that there is a season for everything – a time to be born and a time to die.”
“Once again, we find strength in our faith that Governor HE Pastor Umo Eno, who has been entrusted with a Divine Mandate to spread the teachings of God, comprehends the Divine Plan and therefore refrains from questioning the Almighty Creator.
“On behalf of my spouse, Rev. Eyoanwan, the Government, and the people of Cross River State, we offer our deepest condolences during this period of sorrow and irreplaceable loss. May God be a source of comfort and strength for you and the residents of Akwa Ibom State,” Otu said in a statement released by his spokesman, Mr Nsa Gill in Calabar.
