The wife of Governor Umo Bassey Eno of Akwa Ibom State, Patience Umo Eno, has passed away.
This was confirmed in statement by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, on Friday, September 27, 2024.
According to the statement, she died on Thursday in a hospital following an undisclosed illness
The government and people of Akwa Ibom State are in mourning following the passing of Her Excellency, Patience Umo Eno, wife of Governor Umo Bassey Eno.
In a statement released on Friday, September 27, 2024, Commissioner for Information Ini Ememobong confirmed that Mrs. Eno passed away on Thursday at a hospital after a brief illness.
The news has sent shockwaves throughout the state, with many paying tribute to the late First Lady’s dedication to public service and her contributions to the welfare of the people of Akwa Ibom.
“She passed away peacefully at the hospital on 26th September 2024, in the presence of her family,” Mr Ememobong said in the statement.
“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.
“Pastor Umo Eno (the governor) 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 commissioner added.
Who was Patience Umo Eno?
Fondly Known as Eka Iberedem Akwa Ibom: The late Patience Umo Eno was affectionately referred to as Eka Iberedem Akwa Ibom, which means “Mother and Strong Pillar of Akwa Ibom.”
She founded the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), a foundation focused on providing shelter, food, and education to the poor and vulnerable in Akwa Ibom.
Her feeding initiative, which started on a small scale, expanded to feed hundreds of children daily, ensuring no child in her care went to bed hungry.
Pastor Patience, during her time, dedicated herself to the educational advancement of underprivileged children, sponsoring their tuition fees, providing school supplies, and ensuring they had the opportunity to succeed academically.
She initiated several vocational and financial empowerment programmes aimed at helping women in her community gain skills and financial independence.
Pastor Patience played an active role in organizing medical outreach programmes, offering free check-ups, vaccinations, and health education to underserved communities, particularly focusing on children and the elderly.
Through her commitment to helping others, Pastor Patience inspired numerous volunteers to join her causes, thereby extending the reach and impact of her humanitarian efforts.
She was the wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Bassey Eno, and together they had six children and nine grandchildren, all of whom were involved in her philanthropic activities.
