By Our Reporter
Eket, The late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, was honoured with heartfelt tributes and solemn reflections on Friday, September 26, 2025, as dignitaries from across Nigeria gathered for a one-year memorial service at the All Nations Christian Centre, Eket.
The event, hosted by her husband, Governor Umo Eno, drew the presence of top political figures, first ladies, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and citizens, all united in celebrating a life defined by grace, humility, and quiet strength.
Governor Eno, in an emotional address, described his late wife not just as a spouse, but as the cornerstone of his personal and public life.
“She lived her name. She was patience itself, my pillar, my contentment,” the governor said. “In 40 years of our relationship, no one ever had to mediate between us. She never gave me problems.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, GCON, hailed the late First Lady as a unifier and peace advocate, recalling the Senate’s twice-held moments of silence in her honour.
“She encouraged the Governor to unite Akwa Ibom people, across political divides. That alone is a testimony of her worth,” Akpabio remarked.
Also present was the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, who described Mrs. Eno as “a missionary on an errand for God,” praising her humility and charity.
Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, representing Nigeria’s First Ladies, remembered the late First Lady for her warmth and devotion to family.
“She admired her husband so much and proudly called him her golden boy,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the Eno children, Pastor Ebong Eno described their mother as “a loving and God-fearing woman who taught discipline, peace, and contentment.”
Other tributes came from political and traditional leaders, including Secretary to the State Government Prince Enobong Uwah, Speaker of the House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, Senator Ekong Sampson, and His Eminence, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, all of whom spoke of her enduring legacy as a matriarch and peace ambassador.
Delivering the sermon, Apostle Lawrence Achudume, drawing from 2 Kings 13:14–20, reminded attendees that the memory of a person is shaped by how they lived.
“Mummy lived well. She loved God, loved her husband, and loved people. That is why today everyone speaks with one voice about her goodness,” he concluded.
The memorial service underscored the profound impact Mrs. Patience Umo Eno had on both her family and the wider community — a legacy of love, leadership, and quiet influence that continues to inspire.
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