The serene community of Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State on Friday played host to high profile dignitaries as Nigerians gathered to honor the life and legacy of Pastor Patience Umo Eno, late wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
The funeral service, conducted by the All Nations Christian Ministry International, attracted an impressive array of high-profile attendees, including the wife of Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima; the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and his wife; the wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo; all former Governors of Akwa Ibom State, including immediate past Governor Mr. Udom Emmanuel; and former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife.
The Nigerian Governors’ Forum was also well represented, alongside a host of other dignitaries from across the country.
Speaking at the funeral, Wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu described the deceased Akwa Ibom First Lady as a woman of faith who was courageous, and charged her children to sustain her legacy.
Represented by Nana Kashim Shettima, wife of the Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, Senator Tinubu 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.
“Our hope and prayers are with you, the family and our dear excellencies, who are the state coordinators for the Renewed Hope Initiative. Truly, she deserves to be celebrated and it gladdens my heart at the colourful way she was celebrated. May God comfort you and the family,” she said.
In his remarks, Governor Umo Eno expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support his family has received during their period of mourning.
He particularly acknowledged the consistent encouragement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, who not only paid him a condolence visit but continually sent messages to strengthen his family.
He also thanked the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, for leading a delegation of Nigerian women to the funeral service, a gesture he described as profoundly comforting.
“That we are strong today is because the Nation has risen as one to console us, to give us your shoulders to lean on, we thank you”. the Governor said, his voice laden with emotion.
Messages of condolence poured in from sympathisers, who described the late Pastor Patience Umo Eno as a beacon of patience, love, hard work, and intelligence. They recounted her selfless service to her community and the enduring legacy of faith and compassion she leaves behind.
The burial ceremony, marked by prayers, tributes, and solemn reflections, was witnessed by a convergence of statesmen, clergy, and well-wishers, who offered prayers of strength and comfort for the grieving family.
By Idongesit Ashameri @TheINDEPENDENT
