Jonathan, Shettima, Governors Honor Late Akwa Ibom First Lady

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and several governors gathered in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, to bid farewell to Pastor Patience Umo Eno, the late wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.

The solemn ceremony drew a host of dignitaries, including Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo, Governor Alex Otti of Abia, and former Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel. Members of the National Assembly and other notable figures were also in attendance.

In an emotional tribute, Governor Eno described his late wife as his anchor and pledged never to speak of her in the past tense.

“You were my anchor, the one who guided me between right and wrong. With your death, a part of me is gone, but I will cherish the memories forever. The journey that began 40 years ago in church has been one of growth and blessings, and we will be fine,” he said.

Vice President Shettima’s wife, Hajia Nana Shettima, commended the late First Lady’s humanitarian contributions and urged the family to uphold her legacy.

Delivering the homily, Rev. Simeon Afolabi of First Love Assembly in Port Harcourt reflected on the impact of loss and encouraged the family to emulate her virtues. He drew inspiration from 1 Thessalonians 4:15-16, emphasizing that those who make a difference in life live on through their deeds.

Other attendees included the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekprikpe Ekpo; Akwa Ibom State Chief Judge Justice Ekaette Obot; former Niger Delta Affairs Minister Obong Umana Okon Umana, and other dignitaries who paid their respects.

The event marked a celebration of the life and legacy of the late Pastor Patience Eno, whose contributions to family, faith, and community were widely recognized.