Tinubu, Akpabio, Uzodinma Eulogise Gov Eno’s Wife, Patience At One-Year Memorial Service
... Wouldn't Have Married A Better Wife - Gov Eno
President Bola Tinubu has described the departed first lady of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, as a peace-loving and kind-hearted woman, as he commiserated with the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, and family over her demise a year ago.
President Tinubu, who spoke at the first memorial service of the departed First Lady on Friday, September 26, 2026, said she was imbued with compassion, patience and strength of character.
The President, who was represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said, “I am here to commiserate with you, our Governor, and the first family of Akwa Ibom State on this memorial day.
“One year ago, you lost your dear wife. But in spite of that loss, you still took it upon yourself to continue in her ministry, the Ministry of Peace and Unification.
“There is no prize too much for anyone to pay for peace. She would be remembered not just as your dear wife but as a woman who encouraged you to bring the whole of Akwa Ibom together, to bring all the political parties together, and to bring all the political gladiators together,” he noted.
Related: My Wife Has Become Larger In Death Than Alive – Gov. Eno
Senator Akpabio, who felicitated the Akwa Ibom people on the recently celebrated 38th anniversary, said, “Your Excellency, God says that in everything, we must give thanks to Him. Today, I have listened to the tributes, so I stand on behalf of Mr President to say, ‘May God Almighty continue to console your family.’ May God allow love to continue to shine through you, may Akwa Ibom remain always united, and may peace continue to be our portion.”
In his tribute, Governor Eno described his departed wife and First Lady as pillar of strength, stressing that he couldn’t have married a better woman.
He noted that throughout their 40 years relationship, she was true to her name patience, he was never pressured and that there was never a reason for anyone to mediate or settle issues between them.
He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu for their support and for always checking up on his family.
He also appreciated the Senate President, Senator Akpabio, and his wife for their support and for creating time to be part of the memorial service.
Governor Eno, who was overwhelmed with emotion, appreciated state governors, especially the chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, Senator Hope Uzodima, first ladies, former Governor Udom Emmanuel and everyone who sympathised with the family for the past year.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodima, said his attendance at the memorial service was to identify with one of them, Pastor Umo Eno, whom he said was one of their brightest.
According to him, the departed first lady was a patient woman who was peace-loving and compassionate, adding that the only way to honour her was to continue with her good works.
Speaking on behalf of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other First Ladies from Enugu, Ogun, and Imo States, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, described the late Patience Umo Eno as a mentor par excellence, who would be greatly missed.
She added that she was humble, family-orientated, and kind-hearted and, therefore, appreciated the Governor for allowing her to spread her wings of goodwill to many people, within and outside the State.
In his tribute on behalf of the children, Pastor Ebong Eno said their mother was a God-fearing woman and taught them to follow the right path of life for their personal development and that of the general society.
In their separate tributes, Prince Enobong Uwah, Secretary to the State Government; Rt Hon. Udeme Otong, Speaker of the State House of Assembly; Senator Ekong Sampson; Rev. Simeon Afolabi, Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, represented by Justice Princess Ekong; Mkpat Enin Council Chairman, Eng. Emmanuel Inyang; and His Eminence, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, among others, described Mrs Patience Umo as a virtuous mother who left indelible marks on the sands of time.
In his message, Apostle Lawrence Achudume said the departed First Lady made great impacts while on earth, stressing that everyone would die someday and would be remembered by their works.
The memorial service was where the Coordinator Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Obareki, took the only Bible reading from Revelation. 5:5-14 featured a special praise and worship session led by famous gospel singers including Mercy Chinwo and Aity Dennis, as well as choral presentations from the Harmonic Voices, Promised Land Choral, Government House Choral Voices, and International Christian Worship Centre Choir, among others.
In attendance were the State Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; members of the State Executive Council; political stalwarts; captains of industries; members of corporate bodies; clergymen; Christian faithful across the country; and a cross section of Akwa Ibomites.
