By Abiola Olawale
Tributes have begun to pour in following the shocking passing of Pastor Patience Umo Eno, the wife of Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State.
The passage of Eno’s wife was announced in a press statement issued on Friday.
In a statement issued by Akwa Ibom state Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, the first lady was said to have passed away at a hospital on September 26, 2024, surrounded by family members.
Reacting to the sudden loss, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the Akwa Ibom Governor.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga on Friday on behalf of the Federal Government, President Tinubu commiserated with the Eno family, the government, and the people of Akwa Ibom state during this grim time.
The statement reads in part: “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 Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has extended its condolence to the Akwa Ibom State Governor.
This was contained in a statement issued by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State who is the Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
The statement reads in part: “The NGF sends its heartfelt condolences to His Excellency the Governor, the family, and the people of Akwa Ibom on this devastating loss of the precious jewel.
“Our hearts are with His Excellency and his family at this difficult moment, and we ask that God Almighty give him all the strength he needs to soldier on.”
The statement added: “The forum prayed to God to repose the soul of the late First Lady of the state and give the family the fortitude to bear this huge loss.”
