By Emmanuel Nicholas
A man’s life unfolds like a flower: it blossoms in the morning, wilts by noon, bows in the evening, and ultimately falls to the dust at night.
This cycle is an inevitability that money cannot prevent, tears cannot halt, and wailing cannot redeem. It is an affliction that love cannot erase.
Every person must face their day of reckoning with death; every sky experiences moments of darkness as well as light—events that no one can predict or postpone.
Pastor Patience UMO Eno, the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, passed away in the afternoon, leaving the living in grief; however, death ultimately claims every soul, regardless of whether it arrives at night, morning, or afternoon.
Our time here isn’t permanent, yet our memories will persist to recount the narrative of our legacies.
29th November was fixed for her Funeral and visitors from across the globe flocked to Ikot Expene Udo in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State following the passing of Her Excellency Pastor Patience Umo Eno, the First Lady of Akwa Ibom.
Some people flew into the Obong Victor Attah International Airport and traveled from Uyo to Eket Senatorial District, while others who came through Port Harcourt/Umuahia passed through Ikot Ekpene District to reach Uyo Senatorial District
DR. KASHIM SHETTIMA’S COMMENDATIONS
While I listened to State House reporters who interviewed Nigeria’s Vice President, Dr. Kashim Shettima, at Abuja Airport , about his recent trip to Akwa Ibom State, his thoughts resonated with me.
Hear him: ‘We journeyed to honour the memory of an extraordinary Amazon, a woman whose life stands as a shining example for everyone, Pastor Patience Umo Eno.’
“Additionally, we expressed our sympathies to her husband, the wise Leader of Akwa Ibom, Governor Umo Eno, a humble leader who has bridged party divides to unite Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria. “
His brief comments and visible emotions revealed his love and respect for the late First Lady, Pastor (Mrs) Patience Umo Eno, whom he characterized as a virtuous woman whose life impacted millions in Akwa Ibom State and beyond.
Pastor (Mrs) Eno received commendation from the Vice President of Nigeria, reflecting her role as a mother who consistently demonstrated selfless dedication to all.
She served as a guide, protector, and mentor to everyone who encountered her, offering them unconditional love during her journey here on earth.
The Vice President mentioned that the funeral allowed him to explore the State, which significantly influenced his perspective.
He observed the significant advancements happening in Akwa Ibom State and pointed out the high standard of the roads. He noted that, apart from Abuja, Akwa Ibom’s infrastructure is impressive, indicating that the state’s leaders have made considerable progress in development and deserve praise for their contributions.
By his measurement, Akwa Ibom State belongs to the fifth generation of States in Nigeria, yet it has surpassed even most first generation States regarding infrastructural development.
On the other hand, during her speech at the funeral, the Vice President’s wife, Hajia Nana Shettima, emphasized that the late First Lady fostered a space where children could feel secure to explore, learn, and develop, and that she exemplified motherhood by balancing discipline and affection, instilling values of empathy, hard work, and integrity in her children.
This supportive method established a strong base, enabling those around her to face life’s challenges with assurance and strength.
THE SYMPATHIZERS WHO BECAME TOURIST
I grew up in Port Harcourt and people sometimes think I am a Rivers person based on my background.
A friend and schoolmate of mine, who works as an aide to the Governor of River State, arrived Akwa Ibom State with his colleagues the night before the event.
He asked me to be his tour guide, and we explored the beautiful city of Uyo before heading to the Four Points by Sheraton in Ikot Ekpene.
After about an hour, we made our way back to Uyo through the scenic Abak-Ikot Expene Road, then turned onto Abak Road and continued along the Etinan-Uyo Road.
We journeyed along the charming Etinan-Eket Highway to the beautifully remodeled Eket metropolis, where we unwound at Esuene Square, savoring the refreshing late-night breeze and tasty fish from Ibeno waters.
The session started with questions on which administration superintended over these major development in Akwa Ibom State, as he found the level of progress both surprising and hard to fathom.
I told him that each government, from Obong Victor Attah to the current one, has been dedicatedly committed to modernizing Akwa Ibom State and elevating its status among Nigeria’s states.
He shared his astonishment at the rapid development of Akwa Ibom State, highlighting the impressive connectivity offered by dual carriageways and the exceptional quality of its infrastructure.
He praised the Akwa Ibom State Government for brightening the streets with street lights, which improves the appeal of nightlife .
On our way back to Uyo, we drove along the East West Road and then drove through the Etinan Ndon-Eyo Road , where they admired breathtaking views of the two cable bridges on the eight-lane superhighway.
Arriving Uyo again, my friend concentrated on taking pictures of the stunning roundabout at Clement Isong Way and Idongesit Nkanga Avenue roundabout, captivated by the lively water colourful fountains as we traveled down the gorgeous 12-lane highway constructed by Hensek Integrated Services during Deacon Udom Emmanuel’s leadership.
Even though the night was dark, he wanted to have a taste of bush meat. So, we moved to the Ibom hotels , a Five-Star hotel situated at Nwaniba and stoped at the roundabout leading to the hotel to savour tasty warthog meat paired with palm wine from Akwa Akpa Uruan.
At approximately 3 am, I accompanied him to his room at Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort after I had spent a wonderful evening with my longtime friend and three other officials from Rivers State .
They all celebratied the impressive advancements in Akwa Ibom State’s infrastructural development.
THANKSGIVING THOUGHTS FROM PASTOR UMO ENO AND HIS FAMILY
Pastor Umo Eno delivered a heartfelt tribute, which deeply moved everyone,to his darling wife during the thanksgiving session.He made a promise to forever appreciate her memories.
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State emphasized the essential role of his wife in their family partnership and commended her exemplary lifestyle, which embodies loyalty, respect, and understanding humility.
Governor Umo Eno called his wife his primary advisor and critic, highlighting how their open communication and shared responsibilities helped build a solid foundation for their family.
He believes that communication creates a peaceful home environment that brings him comfort as her husband.
Pastor Umo further stated that his wife had always rejoiced in his successes and supported him during tough times.
During the weeklong condolence visitations, Governor Umo Bassey Eno expressed thoughts that deeply moved me, inspiring me to quickly embrace the role of a prayer warrior.
He frequently noted in his hometown where he received most of the sympathisers that his wife’s fame increased posthumously compared to her life, and he diminishes the accolades for her accomplishments, wishing she had enjoyed such acknowledgment while still living.
The funeral served as a solemn event that brought together the entire Nigeria, including Vice President, Dr Kashim Shettima and his wife, Nana, former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience, Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio and his wife Ekaette , as well as Deputy Senate President Senator Barau I. Jibrin.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas, along with eight Governors, various Royal Fathers from different States in Nigeria, Senators, Honourable Members of the House of Representatives, and 28 Governors’ wives also attended the funeral
The Service Chiefs, special convoys from different countries,Judges,representatives from global business communities, and leaders of government commissions and agencies were present at the event.
Others are Christian and Islamic leaders from around the world took part, and a large assembly of Akwa Ibom’s people convened to pay tribute to their revered first lady, a virtuous woman whom everyone in the state valued and would be greatly missed by all .
