Following the recent death of Akwa Ibom State’s First Lady, Mrs. Patience Umo, the state Liaison Office in Lagos has opened a condolence register at its Victoria Island office.
According a statement on Friday by the Senior Special Assistant to the state Governor (Lagos Liaison), Mr. Michael Effiong James, this is to afford residents of the Southwest zone the opportunity to condole with the first family as well as the people and government of the state.
He explained that the opening of the register was informed by popular demand and would enable a lot more people express their thoughts on the memories and legacies of Mrs. Umo.
James recalled that the late First Lady had been lauded at home and in the diaspora, adding that condolence visits and messages had been received from President Bola Tinubu; the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Nigerian Governors Forum; immediate past Governor of the state, Deacon Udom Emmanuel; Ministers, heads of federal parastatals, senior Pastors, members of the clergy, and gospel artistes among many others.
Noting that the Register would be accessible during office and working days, James stressed Governor Umo Eno had earlier affirmed that, although the wheel of the state would not stop because of this personal loss, he was immensely grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the demise of his dear wife.
Describing the condolence messages as warm and comforting, Eno said that he and his entire family had drawn a lot of strength from the shower of love, which has helped them bear the huge loss, adding that the memories of his late wife would be cherished forever.
The governor had also remarked that his wife, who passed on on 26 September 2024 at 57 years, was married to him for 38 years and lived a fulfilled life by all standards. He affirmed that she was not only a great achiever but a source of inspiration who touched many lives.
He said: “The encouragement, the comfort and the support we have received from well-meaning Nigerians have given us that hope, strength and the ability to continue to look forward”.
He stated that the departed First Lady was a perfect example of the Biblical virtuous woman, his closest prayer partner, cheer leader and best critic, and recalled that she coined the nickname ‘Golden Boy’ for him, which changed the tide of attacks on his person during the gubernatorial primary and helped him cruise to a resounding victory.
Eno revealed that his administration would continue to sustain and broaden the vision and programmes initiated by the Office of the First Lady as a way of immortalizing his late dear wife.
