Tinubu, Akpabio, Uzodinma eulogize Gov Eno’s wife, Patience at One Year Memorial Service

Tinubu, Akpabio, Uzodinma eulogize Gov Eno’s wife, Patience at One Year Memorial Service

… “I wouldn’t have married a better wife” – Gov Eno

President Bola Tinubu has described the departed first Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Patience Umo Eno as a peace-loving and kind- hearted woman, as he commiserated with the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, and family over her demise a year ago.

President Tinubu who spoke at the first memorial service of the departed First Lady, said she was imbued with compassion, patience and strength of character.

Senate President Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio

The President who was represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said “I am here to commiserate with you, our Governor and the first family of Akwa Ibom State on this memorial day.

“One year ago, you lost your dear wife. But inspite of that loss, you still took it upon yourself to continue in her ministry, the Ministry of Peace and unification.

“There is no prize too much for anyone to pay for peace. She would be remembered not just as your dear wife, but as a woman who encouraged you to bring the whole of Akwa Ibom together, to bring all the political parties together, and to bring all the political gladiators together,” he noted.

Senator Akpabio who felicitated Akwa Ibom people on the recently celebrated 38th anniversary, said, “Your Excellency, God says that in everything, we must give thanks to Him. Today, I have listened to the tributes, so I stand on behalf of Mr. President to say, may God Almighty continue to console your family. May God allow love to continue to shine through you, may Akwa Ibom remain always united and may peace continue to be our portion.”

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State

In his tribute, Governor Eno described his departed wife and First Lady as pillar of strength, stressing that he couldn’t have married a better woman.

He noted that throughout their 40 years relationship, she was true to her name patience, he was never pressured and that there was never a reason for anyone to mediate or settle issues between them.

He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu for their support and for always checking up on his family.

Senator Ekong Sampson

He also appreciated the Senate President, Senator Akpabio and wife for their support and for creating time to be part of the memorial service.

Governor Eno who was overwhelmed with emotion, appreciated State Governors, especially the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, Senator Hope Uzodima, First Ladies, Former Governor Udom Emmanuel and everyone who sympathized with the family for the past one year.

Rev. Simeon Afolabi

Also speaking, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodima, said his attendance at the memorial service was to identify with one of them, Pastor Umo Eno whom he said was one of their brightest.

According to him, the departed first Lady was a patient woman who was peace-loving and compassionate, adding that the only way to honour her was to continue with her good works.

Speaking on behalf of First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other First Ladies from Enugu, Ogun, and Imo States, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, described the late Patience Umo Eno as a mentor par excellence, who would be greatly missed.

She added that she was humble, family-oriented, and kind-hearted; and therefore, appreciated the Governor for allowing her spread her wings of goodwill to many people, within and outside the State.

In his tribute on behalf of the children, Pastor Ebong Eno said their mother was God-fearing woman and taught them to follow the right path of life, for their personal development and that of the general society.

Hon. Engr. Emmanuel Inyang, Chairman, Mkpat Enin LGA

In their separate tributes, Prince Enobong Uwah, Secretary to the State Government; Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, Speaker of the State House of Assembly; Senator Ekong Sampson; Rev Simeon Afolabi, Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State represented by Justice Princess Ekong, Mkpat Enin Council Chairman, Engr. Emmanuel Inyang, and His Eminence, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, among others, described Mrs Patience Umo as a virtuous mother who left indelible marks on the sands of time.

In his message, Apostle Lawrence Achudume said the departed First Lady made great impacts while on earth, stressing that everyone would die someday, and would be remembered by their works.

The memorial service where the Coordinator Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Obareki, took the only Bible reading from Revelation. 5:5-14, featured special praise and worship session led by famous gospel singers including Mercy Chinwo, Aity Dennis as well as choral presentations from the Harmonic Voices, Promised Land Choral, Government House Choral Voices, International Christian Worship Centre Choir, among others.

In attendance were the State Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; members of the State Executive Council, Political stalwarts, captains of industries, members of corporate bodies, clergies, and Christian faithful across the country and a cross section of Akwa Ibomites.