The wife of Governor Umo Bassey Eno of Akwa Ibom State, Patience Umo Eno, has passed away.
Her death was confirmed in a statement by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, on Friday.
While the cause of her death is yet to be disclosed, the commissioner revealed that she died on Thursday in the presence of her family.
Fondly referred to as Eka Iberedem Akwa Ibom, meaning “Mother and Strong Pillar of Akwa Ibom,” Patience Umo Eno was widely loved for her compassionate leadership and humanitarian work in the state.
Here are eight things to know about the late Patience Umo Eno:
- Fondly Known as Eka Iberedem Akwa Ibom: The late Patience Umo Eno was affectionately referred to as Eka Iberedem Akwa Ibom, which means “Mother and Strong Pillar of Akwa Ibom.”
- She founded the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), a foundation focused on providing shelter, food, and education to the poor and vulnerable in Akwa Ibom.
- Her feeding initiative, which started on a small scale, expanded to feed hundreds of children daily, ensuring no child in her care went to bed hungry.
- Pastor Patience, during her time, dedicated herself to the educational advancement of underprivileged children, sponsoring their tuition fees, providing school supplies, and ensuring they had the opportunity to succeed academically.
- She initiated several vocational and financial empowerment programmes aimed at helping women in her community gain skills and financial independence.
- Pastor Patience played an active role in organizing medical outreach programmes, offering free check-ups, vaccinations, and health education to underserved communities, particularly focusing on children and the elderly.
- Through her commitment to helping others, Pastor Patience inspired numerous volunteers to join her causes, thereby extending the reach and impact of her humanitarian efforts.
- She was the wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Bassey Eno, and together they had six children and nine grandchildren, all of whom were involved in her philanthropic activities.
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