UYO, Nigeria — The passing of Patience Umo Eno, First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, has sent shockwaves nationwide, with key political leaders and figures expressing their condolences.
Tributes have poured in for the late First Lady, whose work for the vulnerable through her philanthropic initiative, Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), left a lasting impact on Akwa Ibom and beyond.
Mrs Patience Eno, the wife of Governor Umo Eno, has died at the age of 57.
According to an official statement released early Friday by the Akwa Ibom State government, she passed away on Thursday, September 26, 2024, following a brief illness.
“The family submits to the will of the Almighty and asks for the prayers and support of kind-hearted individuals during this difficult time,” Ini Ememobong, the state’s Commissioner for Information, confirmed her death in a public statement on Friday.
President Tinubu Acknowledges First Lady’s Lasting Legacy
President Bola Tinubu joined national leaders in mourning the passing of Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, recognising her significant contributions to her community and state.
In a statement by his spokesman on Friday, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed sympathy on behalf of the Federal Government, emphasising the First Lady’s humility, resilience, and commitment to service.
“Through her ‘Golden Initiative for All,’ the late First Lady 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,” the president stated.
Tinubu acknowledged the personal and professional support Mrs Patience Eno provided her husband, the governor of Akwa Ibom, and commended her selfless work with vulnerable groups in the state.
He expressed confidence that her legacy of service will remain an integral part of Akwa Ibom’s history, and he offered prayers for the Eno family and all those grieving her loss.
The President concluded by trusting in the resilience of the Akwa Ibom people and committing the family to God’s comfort in this challenging time.
Governor Mbah Expresses Deep Grief, Calls it a National Loss
Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah expressed deep sorrow in a personally signed statement early Friday, describing Mrs Patience Umo Eno’s death as a tremendous loss not only for her family but for Akwa Ibom and the nation as a whole.
Governor Mbah’s message highlighted the First Lady’s charitable work and support of her husband, Pastor Umo Eno, who serves as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
“I woke up this morning to the sad news of the passing of Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, wife of my brother, the governor of Akwa Ibom State,” Mbah wrote.
“This is no doubt a huge loss, not only to Pastor Umo Eno, his family, and the good people of Akwa Ibom State, but also the country as a whole.”
He commended her dedication to humanity, describing her as “a resourceful woman and entrepreneur” who also demonstrated deep devotion to serving God and uplifting others through her philanthropic project, GIFA.
The governor offered heartfelt condolences on behalf of his family, government, and the people of Enugu State, assuring that they would continue to keep her family in their prayers.
Northern Governors Forum Joins Mourning
Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya, also expressed his condolences, praising Mrs Umo Eno for her strength and virtue.
In a statement by Yahaya’s spokesperson, Isma’ila Uba Misilli, the forum noted that her influence was widely felt across Akwa Ibom State.
“Her loss has created a huge vacuum that will be difficult to fill, not only within her immediate family but across the state where her influence was deeply felt,” Yahaya’s statement read.
On behalf of the 19 Northern Governors, Yahaya conveyed their collective grief to Governor Umo Eno and the people of Akwa Ibom, offering prayers for divine comfort and solace.
He urged Governor Umo Eno to take strength from cherished memories of his late wife and the grace of God.
