MIRIAM NNOLI 
Following the passing of Akwa Ibom State’s First Lady, Patience Umo Eno, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed his heartfelt condolence to the government and people of the state.
New Telegraph had earlier reported that Akwa Ibom State government announced the passing of the First Lady in a statement issued by the State Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong on Friday.
According to the Commissioner, the First Lady died at a hospital on Thursday, September 26, 2024, surrounded by family members.
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Reacting to the tragic news, Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, described the deceased as a “pillar of support” to the governor, as he lauded her leadership and humanitarian work in the state.
The statement read partly, “On behalf of my wife, Ibijoke and 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.
“I also express my deepest condolences to the people of Akwa Ibom State and the entire Eno family, as well as wives of all the state governors in Nigeria over the demise of the Akwa Ibom First Lady.
“Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno was not just a wife and mother, but a soulmate and pillar of support to our brother, Governor Eno.
“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.
“The First Lady, fondly referred to as Eka Iberedem Akwa Ibom, meaning “Mother and Strong Pillar of Akwa Ibom,” was widely loved for her compassionate leadership and humanitarian work in Akwa Ibom during her lifetime.”
Sanwo-Olu prayed for the repose of the deceased, saying, “I pray that the Almighty God will grant the deceased eternal rest and Governor Umo Eno, the entire family, and the people of Akwa Ibom the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
