Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Ano, on Friday paid tribute to his late wife and First Lady, Patience, during a funeral service held at Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit-Ubiam Local Government Area of the state.
The governor cited his late wife as his support and vowed never to forget her or refer to her in the past and promised to keep her memory alive in his heart.
“You were my anchor, the one who could tell me what was right and what was wrong. With your death, a part of me is gone, but I will always cherish the memories we shared,” Anno said emotionally.
Reflecting on their 40-year journey together, Anno expressed gratitude for the blessings they enjoyed as a couple and found solace in their children and grandchildren.
Also read: She was everything a man wanted in a virtuous woman – Gov. Eno mourns wife
“Today, as we bid you farewell, the whole world is celebrating your memory. When I look at my children and grandchildren, I am consoled by the fact that the journey that began 40 years ago has been one of growth and immeasurable blessings. We'll be fine,'' he said.
“I would 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,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.
In her remarks, Nana, wife of Vice President Kashim Shettima, lauded the late First Lady's contributions to humanity and urged the family to maintain her legacy.
Rev. Simeon Afolabi of First Love Assembly in Port Harcourt delivered an impassioned sermon titled “When Loved Ones Die.”
He emphasized that the passing of a loved one weighs on the world because of the impact they had during their life.
Taking inspiration from 1 Thessalonians 4:15-16 and encouraging the family to emulate the qualities of his late mother, Afolabi said, “Whoever makes a difference in life does not die alone.”
His death was reported on September 26, 2024.
The funeral service was attended by many dignitaries including former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Rivers State Governor Siminalai Fubara.
Others include: Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, and former Akwa Ibom Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel.
Also present were the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, Chief Justice of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekete Obote, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Obong Umana Okon Umana and many other dignitaries who came to pay their respects. Last respect.
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