Gone Too Soon: What you need to know about Patience Eno, late Akwa Ibom Gov’s wife

Patience, the wife of Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, is dead.

She died in a hospital following an undisclosed illness, according to a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Akwa Ibom, Ini Emembong.

When the news of Patience’s passing broke early Friday, it sent shocking waves. The cold hands of death snatched her unannounced.

For many, the news was unbelievable as one of her last public engagements was in September when she hosted 600 Senior Citizens from the 31 Local Government Areas to the fifth edition of the ARISE Initiative for the Elderly, where they received stipends of N50,000 each and free medical care.

Her death re-echoes the words of English poet and playwright, Williams Shakespeare, who described the world as a stage and each person plays his part and leaves.

Fondly known as “Eka Iberedem Akwa Ibom,” which translates to “Mother and Strong Pillar of Akwa Ibom,” she was a symbol of hope and an embodiment of selfless love.

She hailed from Ikot Akpa Ekop, Akwa Ibom. This is a community in Ikpa Ibom, one of the biggest clans in Mkpat Enin. It is an oil-rich, agrarian community where oil was first discovered in Nigeria.

Her life and work touched countless lives, earning her a revered place in the hearts of many.

Born and raised in Akwa Ibom, Pastor Patience grew up in an environment that valued community and mutual support.

She had six children and nine grandchildren. She was married for over 37 years.

She established a foundation, Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), aimed at engaging in humanitarian activities such as providing shelter, food, education, etc, to improve the lives and livelihoods of the poor and the vulnerable.

Also, she supported her husband in the building and management of Royalty Hotel, a conglomerate with apartments, catering services, Coffee shops, and many more others.