The International Christian Worship Center in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, became a solemn gathering place on Tuesday evening, as Akwa Ibomites, Nigerians, and well-wishers from around the world gathered for a night of glory to honor the late First Lady, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno. The emotional service, which was marked by song ministrations and heartfelt tributes, became an unforgettable occasion that brought together people from all walks of life to pay their respects to a woman who touched many lives during her time on earth.
The evening started on a hopeful note, with the sound of powerful songs filling the air. However, the atmosphere quickly shifted as tributes began to pour in, particularly from those closest to her. Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, emotionally recounted the immense impact the late Pastor Patience Eno had on her family and the state. She struggled to hold back tears as she spoke, and her grief was palpable—a poignant reminder of the deep love that underpinned the event.
Governor Pastor Umo Eno, visibly overcome with emotion, also took the stage to offer a tribute that reflected both profound sadness and cherished memories. Fighting back tears, he shared intimate moments from their early days together, capturing the depth of their bond.
"Dear Kemmy," the Governor began, referring to his late wife affectionately. "You fought a good fight. As I forced myself to put this tribute together, my hands were trembling, and my fingers twisting. I can’t bring myself to accept the fact that you are truly gone."
He continued, recalling the first time they met. "I still remember the day we met. You were standing there, singing songs of praise to the Lord in your sonorous voice. You were beautiful, enchanting, and alluringly attractive. I remember saying to myself, this is the wife God has ordained for me."
His tribute was an outpouring of love, expressing both the pain of the loss and the comfort found in the memories of their forty years together. As he concluded, his words were filled with raw emotion:
"Today, as we bid you farewell, the whole world is here, celebrating your memories. Looking at our children and grandchildren, I take solace in the fact that our journey together has been one of growth and immeasurable blessings. Kemmy, I will never describe you in the past tense. You will always be my Oluwakemmy—alive in my mind, fresh in my thoughts, and warm in my heart."
The tribute closed with these heartbreaking words: "Good night, and thank you. May the Lord bless your soul until I meet you to part no more. I will cherish you forever."
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, both sent tributes through the wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio. They spoke of Pastor Patience Eno’s commitment to improving the lives of the less fortunate and prayed for her soul to find eternal rest.
Other dignitaries, including former Governor Udom Emmanuel and his wife Martha, former Governor Obong Victor Attah, Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, and Speaker of the State House of Assembly Elder Udeme Otong, also offered moving tributes, each sharing how Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Eno’s leadership and charitable works had touched their lives.
The service was enriched by powerful musical performances from an array of gospel artists, including Buchi, Aity Dennis, Steve Crown, Tope Alabi, Moses Bliss, and several others. The choirs from the All Nations Christian Ministry International, the Government House Divine Voices, and the YAMA Chorale were just a few of the groups that led the congregation in songs of praise and remembrance.
