Fmr Akwa Ibom First Lady, Patience laid to rest; as Akpabio, govs, others attend funeral

By Dennis Udoma, Uyo

The remains of former First Lady of Akwa Ibom, late Pastor Patience Umo Eno have been laid to rest in her country home, Ikot Ekpene Udo in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of the State on Friday.

The deceased, died in a London Hospital on September 26, 2024 after she could not survive an undisclosed surgical operation.

The week – long funeral rites of passage which began on Monday with the opening of mourning house and visitations by Governors/former Governors, State/National Assembly lawmakers, religious, socio-cultural organizations, political stakeholders, traditional rulers, business moguls and prominent Nigerians among others, climaxed on Friday with a commendation service and interment conducted by All Nations Christian Ministry International, Eket.

President Tinubu’s wife, Senator Oluremi represented by Mrs Nana Shetima, wife of Vice President of Nigeria said, Mrs Umo Eno was courageous and a woman of faith, whose legacy should be celebrated.

She urged the family to sustain the legacies of their late matriarch adding that, when she met her for the first time, she noticed that, late Patience Eno was a detribalized and honest Nigerian.

The husband, Governor Umo Eno in his tribute described his late wife as a woman of remarkable strength, unwavering faith, and great patience.

He said, her warmth, generosity, and vibrant spirit would be cherished forever adding that, “. .. with your death, a part of me is gone”.

Dignitaries that graced the ceremony were; Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and wife, Unoama, Governors of Rivers, Abia, Delta, Ebonyi States, former governors and present and past States/National Assembly lawmakers.

Others were; former MD of Niger Delta, Obong Nsima Ekere, Chief Don Etiebet, former Minister of Niger Delta, Obong Umana Umana, Sen. John Udoedehe and Senator Aloysius Etuk.