Gov. Umo Eno (left) with Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio in an embrace.
By Our Reporter
The memory of the late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, was celebrated in style on Friday, September 26, 2025, as Governor Umo Eno and his family hosted a memorial service in her honour at the All Nations Christian Centre, Eket.
The solemn gathering, which brought together Nigeria’s political leaders, first ladies, traditional rulers, clergy, and citizens, turned into a festival of glowing tributes to her life of service, humility, and quiet strength.
In a deeply emotional reflection, Governor Umo Eno described his late wife as more than a companion, but the anchor of his life’s journey.
“She lived her name. She was patience itself, my pillar, my contentment.
“She never pressured me. In 40 years of our relationship, no one ever mediated between us because she never gave me problems,” the governor said.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, GCON, paid glowing tribute, describing the late First Lady as a bridge builder whose life was devoted to peace and unity.
“She encouraged the Governor to unite Akwa Ibom people, bringing together all political divides. When we heard of her passing, the Nigerian Senate honoured her twice with moments of silence.
“That is a testimony of her worth,” he said.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, described her as “a missionary on an errand for God,” noting her works of charity and humility made her worthy of sainthood.
On behalf of Nigeria’s First Ladies, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of the Lagos State Governor, described Mrs. Eno as humorous, humble, and family-oriented. “She admired her husband so much and proudly called him her golden boy,” she said.
Speaking for the children, Pastor Ebong Eno remembered their mother as “a loving and God-fearing woman who taught discipline, peace, and contentment not only to us her children, but to everyone around her.”
Other tributes came from Prince Enobong Uwah, Secretary to the State Government; Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, Speaker of the State House of Assembly; Senator Ekong Sampson; and His Eminence, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, among others, all describing her as a matriarch and peace advocate whose impact remains indelible.
In his sermon drawn from 2 Kings 13:14–20, Apostle Lawrence Achudume reminded believers that “how one lives determines how one will be remembered,” adding, “Mummy lived well. She loved God, loved her husband, and loved people. That is why today everyone speaks with one voice about her goodness.”
