Former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, were among eminent Nigerians who gathered at Ikot Ekpene Udo, Ndit Ubium LGA, Akwa Ibom State, to bid a final farewell to Pastor Patience Eno, the wife of Pastor Umo Eno, the state governor, on Friday.
Speaking at the event, Hajia Nana Shettima recalled the laudable contributions of the departed First Lady to humanity and urged the family to emulate her legacy.
In his tribute, Pastor Umo Eno said the memories of his wife would remain fresh in his thoughts and warm in his heart. He promised never to forget her or speak of her in the past tense for the rest of his life.
“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,” he said.
“Today, as we bid you farewell, the whole world is here, celebrating your memories. 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 the past tense. You will always be my ‘Oluwakemi,’ alive in my mind, fresh in my thoughts, and warm in my heart,” Eno stated.
In his homily, Rev. Simeon Afolabi of the First Love Assembly in Port Harcourt, who spoke on the topic “When the Death of Loved Ones Occurs,” said that whenever a loved one dies, the world strains because of what we think of them. He added that anyone who makes a difference in life does not die alone.
Drawing from the scriptures, particularly 1 Thessalonians 4:15-16, Afolabi urged the family of the late First Lady to emulate her good legacies.
The funeral service was attended by former President Dr Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Bauchi State Governor Sen. Bala Mohammed, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and former Governor Udom Emmanuel, among others.
Also in attendance were the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State Justice Ekaette Obot, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs Obong Umana Okon Umana, and a host of other dignitaries.
READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
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