Patience Umo Eno, the first lady of Akwa Ibom state, has died after an illness. Ini Ememobong, the state commissioner for information, announced the first lady’s passing in a statement issued in the early hours of Friday.

The commissioner said the first lady died on Thursday in a hospital in the presence of her family. He said “further details will be provided” in due course while expressing the appreciation of Governor Umo Eno to those who “stood by the family in this period”.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of the Wife of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Her Excellency, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, following an illness. She passed away peacefully at the hospital, on 26th September, 2024, in the presence of her family,” the statement reads.

“The family submits to the will of the Almighty and asks for the prayers and support of kind-hearted individuals during this difficult time.