- Safiu Kehinde
The remains of Akwa-Ibom first lady, Patience Umo Eno, has finally been laid to rest on Friday.
Following her tragic passing on September 26, 2024, the state government declared yesterday work-free day to pay last respect for the wife of the governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
The deceased body arrived at Ikot Ekpene Udo in the Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of the state accompanied by the governor and family members for her funeral service.
Present at the funeral were eminent politicians including Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu; former President Goodluck Jonathan; and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Others are Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State, his counterparts in Abia and Imo states, Alex Otti and Hope Uzodimma, the acting national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Umar Damagum, among others.
Speaking at the event, Shettima lauded the invaluable contributions of late Mrs. Eno to society and her exemplary role as a silent yet profound leader in Nigeria will be an inspiration for generations.
“We are here to celebrate life, the life of an Amazon who has contributed immensely and tremendously to the peace, stability, and progress of Akwa Ibom State, the South-south region, and the nation as a whole. She was a pillar of support to her husband, the family, and we are all going to surely miss her.” the Vice President said.
He further commended her for her commitment and dedication to well-being of others.
“Mrs. Patience Eno embodied the essence of women’s unsung leadership in our society.
“Her actions spoke louder than words, through her service to the underprivileged, her pastoral commitment, and her tireless dedication to the well-being of others,” he added.
Shettima lauded her charitable initiative, the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), which provided essential resources such as food, shelter, and education to vulnerable members of the community.
“She was not just a wife or a mother; she was a leader who exemplified the strength and grace of Nigerian women. Through her work with GIFA and her unwavering faith, she touched countless lives and left an indelible mark on Akwa Ibom and beyond,” the Vice President stated.
Also speaking at the event was Nigerian first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who described the deceased as a courageous woman of faith.
Mrs. Tinubu, who was represented at the event by Nana Kashim Shettima, wife of the Vice President, said Patience deserved to be celebrated.
“The first time I met her, I can testify the kind of person late Pastor Patience Umo Eno was. She was a woman of courage and faith, a caring woman. Your Excellency, for sure, not only you, we are all going to miss her. Who are we to question God? There is time for everything.” She said.
Meanwhile in his address, Akwa Ibom State Governor and husband of the deceased, Umo Eno appreciated the support and show of love he received all over the nation over the death and burial of his wife.
He said the funeral was an opportunity to thank God for the life of his late wife.
“We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, starting from the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love by the mother of the nation, distinguished Senator Remi Tinubu who led all the Governor’s wife, all of the minister’s wives to pay us the first condolence visit. Mummy, we thank you, and all the women of this country.
“I want to say that you have shown us love and that love strengthens us. If we stand here today strong, it is because the nation has risen as one to condole us and to give us a shoulder. I thank you,” he stated.