Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, on Friday, paid tribute to his late wife and First Lady, Patience, during her funeral service held in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit-Ubium Local Government Area of the state.
The governor described his late wife as his anchor and vowed never to forget her or refer to her in the past tense, promising to keep her memory alive in his heart.
“You were my anchor, the one who could tell me what was right and what was wrong. With your death, part of me is gone, but I will cherish the memories we shared forever,” Eno said with emotion.
Reflecting on their 40-year journey together, Eno expressed gratitude for the blessings they enjoyed as a couple and found solace in their children and grandchildren.
“Today, as we bid you farewell, the whole world is here, celebrating your memory. As I look at our children and grandchildren, I take consolation in the fact that the journey that began 40 years ago has been one of growth and immeasurable blessings. We will be fine,” he said.
“I will never describe you in past tense. You will always be my ‘Oluwakemi,’ alive in my mind, fresh in my thoughts, and warm in my heart,” he added, his voice filled with emotion.
In her remarks, the wife of Vice President Kashim Shettima, Nana, lauded the late First Lady’s contributions to humanity and urged the family to uphold her legacy.
Rev. Simeon Afolabi, of First Love Assembly in Port Harcourt, delivered a heartfelt homily titled “When the Death of Loved Ones Occurs.”
He emphasised that the passing of a loved one strains the world because of the impact they made during their life.
“Anyone who makes a difference in life does not die alone,” Afolabi said, drawing inspiration from 1 Thessalonians 4:15-16, and encouraging the family to emulate the virtues of their late mother.
On November 8 that the family formally announced her burial arrangements, scheduled for November 29, 2024, with a funeral service at her country home in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium LGA.
Her death was reported on September 26, 2024.
The funeral service was graced by a host of dignitaries, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Others include: Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, and former Akwa Ibom Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel.
Also in attendance were the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Obong Umana Okon Umana, and several other dignitaries who came to pay their last respects.
