The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has extended its condolence to the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, over the loss of his wife, Pastor Pateince Umo Eno.
A statement by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, announced the First Lady’s death in the early hours of Friday.
According to the commissioner, she died at a hospital on September 26, 2024, surrounded by family members.
The statement titled “Unexpected Sunset” read, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of the Wife of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Her Excellency, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, following an illness.
“She passed away peacefully at the hospital on 26th September 2024, in the presence of her family.
“The family submits to the will of the Almighty and asks for the prayers and support of kind-hearted individuals during this difficult time.
“Further details will be provided by the family as necessary. In the meantime, the family kindly requests privacy as they mourn their beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.
“His Excellency, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno appreciates all who have stood by the first family in this period and assures all the citizens that despite this huge personal loss, his commitment to the service of the state is unwavering.”
Reacting to the loss, the NGF in a statement by Kwara State Governor/Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on Friday, said it was “shocked at the sudden death of Her Excellency Pastor Patience Umo Eno, wife of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State HE Pastor Umo Eno.
“The NGF sends its heartfelt condolences to His Excellency the Governor, the family, and the people of Akwa Ibom on this devastating loss of the precious jewel.
“Our hearts are with His Excellency and his family at this difficult moment, and we ask that God Almighty give him all the strength he needs to soldier on.”
The forum prayed to God to repose the soul of the late First Lady of the state and give the family the fortitude to bear this huge loss.