The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has extended his condolences to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, following the passing of his wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno.
The late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State passed away on Thursday at the age of 57, following a brief illness.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu described the death of Pastor (Mrs.) Eno as a great loss, not only to her husband and family but to the entire people of Akwa Ibom State. He referred to it as a sad and personal loss for all.
While sympathizing with Governor Eno, Sanwo-Olu reflected on the inevitability of life and death, as emphasized in the Holy Scriptures, but acknowledged the deep emotional pain experienced when we lose loved ones.
Sanwo-Olu urged his Akwa Ibom counterpart to accept his wife’s passing as the will of God and take comfort in knowing that she lived a fulfilled life, made positive contributions, and left behind a lasting legacy.
He stated: “On behalf of my wife, Ibijoke, and my family, as well as the government and people of Lagos State, it is with deep sorrow that I extend my heartfelt condolences to my brother, Governor Pastor Umo Eno, on the passing of his beloved wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno.”
“I also extend my deepest sympathies to the people of Akwa Ibom State, the entire Eno family, and the wives of all state governors in Nigeria on the loss of the Akwa Ibom First Lady.”
Sanwo-Olu praised Pastor (Mrs.) Eno for her dedicated support to Governor Eno, describing her as a soulmate and pillar of strength. He also commended her humanitarian work through the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), a foundation dedicated to providing shelter, food, and education to the poor and vulnerable in Akwa Ibom State.
Fondly known as Eka Iberedem Akwa Ibom, meaning “Mother and Strong Pillar of Akwa Ibom,” Pastor (Mrs.) Eno was celebrated for her compassionate leadership and commitment to humanitarian causes during her lifetime.
“I pray that the Almighty God grants her eternal rest and gives Governor Umo Eno, the entire family, and the people of Akwa Ibom the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” Sanwo-Olu concluded.