Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has sympathised with his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Pastor Umo Eno, over the passing of his dear wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno.
The late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State died on Thursday, September 26, after a brief illness in the hospital in the presence of her family, at the age of 57. Her death has been described as a great loss.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, described the death as a sad episode and a personal loss not only to the deceased’s husband and family but to the entire people of Akwa Ibom State. He urged Governor Eno to take the death of his wife in good faith and see it as the will of God, finding solace in the fact that she lived a fulfilled life, made a positive impact, and left a lasting legacy.
“On behalf of my wife, Ibijoke, and family, the government and the people of Lagos State, it is with a deep sense of sorrow that I commiserate with my brother Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on the passing of his beloved wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno. I also express my deepest condolences to the people of Akwa Ibom State and the entire Eno family, as well as wives of all the state governors in Nigeria, over the demise of the Akwa Ibom First Lady,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He praised Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno for her compassionate leadership and humanitarian work, particularly through the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), a foundation that provided shelter, food, and education to the poor and vulnerable in Akwa Ibom. “The First Lady, fondly referred to as Eka Iberedem Akwa Ibom, meaning ‘Mother and Strong Pillar of Akwa Ibom,’ was widely loved for her compassionate leadership and humanitarian work in Akwa Ibom during her lifetime,” he added.
Governor Sanwo-Olu prayed for the deceased’s eternal rest and for God to grant Governor Umo Eno, the entire family, and the people of Akwa Ibom the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Similarly, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo has commiserated with the government and people of Akwa Ibom State over the demise of Mrs. Patience Umo Eno. In a condolence message, Governor Ododo expressed shock over her death, noting her pivotal role in supporting Governor Umo Eno in his administration. He described her as a supportive wife, mother, and grandmother whose pet projects had touched the lives of many women and vulnerable people in Akwa Ibom State.
Governor Ododo prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul and for God’s comfort for her immediate family and the people of Akwa Ibom State as they grieve over the loss. Mrs. Patience Umo Eno passed away on Thursday at the age of 57 after a brief illness.
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