By Christian ABURIME
Members of the Southern Governors Forum on Monday October 28, 2024 visited Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, to express their condolences to Governor Pastor Umo Eno following the passing of his wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno, who died last month at the age of 57.
The delegation was led by the Forum’s Chairman, Prince Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, and Vice Chairman, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, of Anambra State. Other governors present included Peter Mba (Enugu), Francis Nwufuru (Ebonyi), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Senator Ademola Adeleke (Osun).
The delegation was received by the Akwa-Ibom State Governor and other State officials
The late Akwa Ibom First Lady, who passed away on September 26, 2024, was known for her commitment to social development through her pet project, the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA). The initiative was designed to address various socio-economic challenges in the state while supporting her husband’s administration.
Governor Umo Eno spoke about how his wife’s passing was a significant shock to him and his family, but he expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and solidarity from the Southern Governors
Earlier, the visiting Governors expressed their sympathies to Governor Eno and his family members, offering prayers for strength during this period of loss and for the peaceful repose of the late First Lady’s soul.
The solidarity shown by the Southern Governors Forum highlights the strong bonds among state executives in the region, particularly in times of personal loss and bereavement, thus strengthening the values of unity and empathy expected of Nigerian leaders at all times.