September 28, (THEWILL) – It was a black weekend in Uyo as thousands of women, all adorned in black, gathered at the Banquet Hall of the Government House to mourn the passing of the first lady, Pastor Patience Umo Eno.
The sad event which occurred on Thursday night in an undisclosed hospital, after a brief period of an undisclosed illness had thrown the state, especially the women into a state of devastation and uncontrollable tears.
The state commissioner of information, Comrade Ini Ememobong had broken the news at about 2:00 am, Friday morning, in a press release and the news had swiftly redirected the mood of the day in the state. It appeared the cosmic arrangement also was redirected to align with the tragic event as the sun refused to shine at any point in time in the city of Uyo.
The Deputy Governor of the state, Mrs Akon Eyakenyi PhD, had gathered the women, especially those in politics and wives of political office holders for a hymnary evening in honour of the departed first lady.
Speaking at the event, the deputy governor urged the women to remain calm and control their tears as the meeting was just a visit to the governor where the first lady was not present.
Some women leaders who spoke with THEWILL, expressed shock, saying it was a bad omen to the young administration of Pastor Umo Eno in the state.
The president of Uyo Senatorial District Women Forum, Ekaete Ebong Okon PhD, stated: “Still shocked. I don’t know if I just woke up from a bad dream but reality struck in the morning.
My sisters and friends, What is this life if full of Cares? Don’t just waste your time to boast about life.
“What a colossal loss to us in the Uyo Senatorial District Women Forum!
Why! why! why now and us?
As it has pleased God to take our Mother, Friend and Sister at such a time like this, may He receive her gentle, loving and accommodating spirit in His bosom and eternity where there are no pains but peace profound through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
The Transition Committee Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Ms Sylvia Ekong said: I express the condolences of Uyo LGA, on behalf of the transmission Committee, to His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, and the entire First Family on the heartbreaking loss of our mother, Eka Iberedem Akwa Ibom; Her Excellency, Pastor Patience Umo Eno.
The First Lady was truly a virtuous woman, characterised by remarkable grace, kindness, and strength. Her unwavering support for our leader, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, and the ARISE agenda, coupled with her leadership in guiding the women of Akwa Ibom closer to God, exemplified her profound compassion for others.
“Through her initiative, the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), she made an indelible impact on countless lives, embodying the values of love, care, and service to humanity.
“In this time of profound sorrow, the Transition Committee and the entire good people of Uyo Local Government stand with His Excellency, the First Family, and all who mourn her passing.
“We pray that God Almighty, in His infinite mercy, will comfort and uphold our dear Governor during this period of great loss.
On her part, the Chairman of the Ethical and Attitudinal Reorientation Commission, EARCOM, Dr Dorothy Thompson, said the departure of the first lady is a great loss, not only to Governor Umo Eno and her immediate family, but to the Christian community and Akwa Ibom State at large, given that she led of life worth emulating with excellent stewardship, discipline and dedication.
She described the deceased Pastor Patience Umo Eno’s life as a veritable example of truth, integrity, service, and sacrifice, adding that, her exceptional humility and admirable disposition inspired all, as she was a steadfast Christian, loving mother and woman of substance who touched countless lives with her indefatigable spirit of compassion.
The release by the state commissioner of information, Comrade Ini Ememobong in the early hours of Friday, September 27, indicated that Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno’s passing followed an undisclosed illness.
“She passed away peacefully at the hospital, on 26th September, 2024, in the presence of her family.
“The family submits to the will of the Almighty and asks for the prayers and support of kind-hearted individuals during this difficult time. Further details will be provided by the family as necessary. In the meantime, the family kindly requests privacy as they mourn their beloved wife, mother and grandmother.
“His Excellency, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno appreciates all who have stood by the first family in this period and assures all the citizens that despite this huge personal loss, his commitment to the service of the state is unwavering”. The release reads in parts.
