By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
President Bola Tinubu,Senate President Godswill Akpabio,former President Goodluck Jonathan, Governors,members of the National Assembly, as well as other eminent Nigerians were part of the ceremonies marking the funeral rites of late first lady of Akwa Ibom, Pastor Patience Umo Eno as she was interred at the weekend.
Tributes from dignitaries from all walks of life poured in torrents, as family, friends and we’ll wishers took turns to extol the virtues of the late Matriarch at Ikot Ekpene-Udo country home of the Governor in Nsit Ubium local government area.
Governor Umo Eno, in his special tribute to in his tribute during the funeral which relieved fond memories of his late wife, saying it would remain fresh in his thoughts and warm in his heart.
“You were my anchor, the one who could tell me what was right and what was wrong. With your death part of me is gone, but i will cherish the memories we shared forever.
“Today, as we bid you farewell, the whole world is here, celebrating your memories, and as i look at our children and grandchildren, i take consolation in the fact that, the journey that began 40 years ago, in church, has been a journey of growth and immeasurable blessings and we will be fine
” I will never describe you in past tense. You will always be my “Oluwakemi” alive in my mine, fresh in my thoughts and warm in my heart.” Eno said.
In her remarks, the wife of the Vice President, Hajia, Nana Shettima ,who recalled the laudable contributions to humanity of the departed First Lady, urged the family to emulate her legacies.
Earlier in homely, Rev. Simeon Afolabi of the First Love Assembly in Port Harcourt, who spoke on the topic; “When Death of Love Ones Occurs” said when ever a love ones die our world strain because of what we think of her, adding that anyone who make a difference in life does not die alone.
Drawing copiously from from the scriptures, 1 Thess: 4;15-16, Afolabi urged the family of late first lady to emulate the good legacies of their late mother.
The funeral service was attended by former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan.Sen. Godswill Akpabio, Rivers State Governor Gov Fubara. Governor of Bauchi State Sen. Bala Mohammed, Imo State Gov. Hope Uzodimna of Imo, Abia State governor, Gov Alex Otti and former governor Mr Udom Emmanuel, among others.
Also in attendance were the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas) Ekprikpe Ekpo,
Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs,
Obong Umana Okon Umana and a host of other dignitaries
