AKWA-IBOM State Governor Umo Eno has eulogised his late wife, Patience, days after her passing.
He appreciated the state’s people for honouring his wife by flying the flag at half mast for seven days.
Speaking on Friday, October 4, in Uyo, the state capital, the governor said he would miss his wife for a lifetime while extolling her virtues.
“On Thursday, September 26, 2024, my wife of 38 years, Her Excellency, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience (Oluwakemi) Umo Eno, passed on to be with the Lord. Kemi was everything a man could ever wish for in a virtuous woman. My prayer partner, counsellor, cheer-leader, best critic, homemaker and permanently smiling. I will miss her for a lifetime,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to all who reached out and sent condolences as well as those who showed support to him and his family, including President Bola Tinubu, his wife, Oluremi, Vice President, Kashim Shetima, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, among other dignitaries.
“On behalf of my family, I wish to express my deepest gratitude and eternal indebtedness to all Akwa Ibomites in particular and Nigerians in general for the incredible outpouring of love, support, prayers and words of encouragement through phone calls and messages of condolence and visits since the unexpected sunset that befell us. This has really encouraged and strengthened us at this time,” he said.
He pledged to continue and expand the projects his wife started, noting that his attention would continue to be focused on rendering services to people.
“Let me use this opportunity to assure all that we will pursue everything she held dear while she was with us. The Golden Initiative for All (GIFA) as well as all other initiatives she had started will be sustained and expanded.
“The machinery of state will continue to function seamlessly as government will continue to be alive to her responsibilities. Our focus will not be shifted from rendering services to our people with renewed strength as this is what Kemi has always prayed for,” he added.
The ICIR reported that the late governor’s wife passed away after battling with illness on Thursday, September 26.
Late Patience Umo Eno was born and raised in Akwa Ibom State and was popular for her humanitarian and philanthropic services to communities.
She reportedly funded many charities, including providing uniforms, books, tuition fees and others to enable children to pursue their dreams without the burden of financial constraints.
She founded the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), a foundation dedicated to offering shelter, food, and education to the poor and vulnerable in the state.
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