Lagos, Sept. 27, 2024(TheGavel) – Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has extended his deepest sympathies to the Governor of Akwa Ibom, Pastor Umo Eno, following the passing of his wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno. The tragic news of Pastor Patience’s death was confirmed on Thursday, September 26, 2024, after a brief illness. She was 57 years old.
Pastor Patience Eno passed away peacefully in a hospital, surrounded by close family members. Her death marks a significant loss to the people of Akwa Ibom, where she was well-known for her humanitarian efforts, particularly through the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), a foundation dedicated to supporting the poor and vulnerable with food, shelter, and education.
In an official statement released on Friday, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his profound sorrow over the loss, describing it as a “huge loss.” The statement was signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile.
Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the inevitability of death, noting that despite the teachings of scripture that death is a part of life, it is always painful to lose someone dear. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to his colleague, Pastor Umo Eno, and to the people of Akwa Ibom, highlighting the emotional toll that such a loss brings.
“On behalf of my family, the government, and 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,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The Lagos governor also extended his condolences to the entire Eno family, the people of Akwa Ibom, and the wives of state governors across Nigeria, reflecting on Pastor Patience’s influence and contributions.
“Pastor Mrs Patience Umo Eno was not just a wife and mother, but a soulmate and pillar of support to our brother, Gov. Eno,” he continued. “She supported thousands of people in Akwa Ibom State through the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), a foundation that focused on providing shelter, food, and education to the poor and vulnerable in Akwa Ibom.”
Sanwo-Olu encouraged Governor Umo Eno to find solace in God and to take comfort in the knowledge that his wife lived a meaningful and impactful life, touching many hearts through her work and compassion. He added that Pastor Patience, often referred to affectionately as Eka Iberedem Akwa Ibom—meaning “mother and strong pillar of Akwa Ibom”—was deeply admired for her humanitarian contributions.
“I pray that the Almighty will grant the deceased eternal rest and give Gov. Umo Eno, the entire family, and the people of Akwa Ibom the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” Sanwo-Olu concluded.
The people of Akwa Ibom, alongside well-wishers from across Nigeria, continue to express their grief and offer prayers for the Eno family as they navigate this painful period. (NAN)
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