Patience Eno: Seamstress Who Captured Governor Umo Eno’s Heart Three Decades Ago

First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Patience Eno, clocked 57 years recently. Her husband and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, at an event to mark her birthday revealed some of the qualities that made him to fall in love with his damsel of inestimable value, writes Charles Ajunwa

First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Patience Eno and her husband, Governor Umo Eno are inseparable. Their love is limitless. She means all to her husband – A confidant, an adviser, prayer partner, number-one supporter and soul-mate. Their marriage is blessed with children and several grandchildren.

At the Eket Senatorial District Women New Year thanksgiving service and empowerment, the First Lady gave insight into the secrets of her husband, always looking cute in any attire and entrepreneurial drive.

“Aside from being a governor’s wife, I am a seamstress, you call it fashion designer now. My father gave me my sewing machine when I got married 33 years ago, and it is still in my workshop,” she recalled. Apart from being resourceful and dedicated, she touches people’s lives positively.

Expressing his love and support for his wife of over 37 years, Governor Eno at an event to mark the official launch of the wife’s pet project, Golden Initiative For All’ (GIFA) which coincided with her 57th birthday celebration at Ibom Hall, Uyo, extolled the First Lady’s dedication and passion for uplifting families and the vulnerable in the society.

“I want to say that I am incredibly proud of your dedication and compassion. Your drive to make a difference shines through in every aspect of GIFA, and I am confident that this programme will leave a lasting impact on countless lives.

“You have been true to your name, you have been an incredible wife and mother and I am sure all of us and our children are really proud of you.

“On this day that we celebrate your 57th birthday, and the launch of your pet project, I can assure you by the love of God that I will walk side by side with you, support you and do whatever I can to ensure that you fulfil this lifelong ambition of touching lives,” he said.

Former Governor, Udom Emmanuel, during a thanksgiving service for his then Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Eno, to celebrate one-year of his appointment as commissioner, one-year anniversary of his mother Deaconess Eka Eno and the 35th year marriage to his wife, Patience, said the couple bonded spiritually and physically.

Udom recalled how God saved Eno when his second-half took ill at the onset of the COVID-19 just after losing his mother. As doctors were battling to save Patience’s life, he said “prayers were raised and God helped. Today, you can celebrate 35 years of marriage with your wife because she is alive.”

Other dignitaries that attended the three-in-one thanksgiving that took place in Ikot Ekpene Udo, in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of the state, in their goodwill messages commended Pastor Eno’s marriage to Patience.

Former Governor Victor Attah, said, “Your union of 35 years to your wife is a great testimony to the cherished virtues of love, trust and accommodation. Those qualities have enriched your moments of joy and helped you through difficult times. I have no doubt that they will continue to guide you in your future endeavours.”

Senator Akon Eyakenyi has this to say, “Looking back at your 35 years of successful Christian marriage, it is a thing of joy because the Lord has done you well. I congratulate you and your dear wife who is a virtuous and wise-hearted woman. I pray that this bond of love never be broken as many years await this blissful and fruitful union.”

Another testament from All Nations Christian Ministry International: read: “Your marriage of 35 years and counting to Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Eno; has been what might be termed as gracefulness. Hitherto, the Lord has shown you plenteous mercies, blessing you with outstanding children and many grandchildren. The words of Psalm 128:3 perfectly describe these 35 years of love and togetherness. ‘Thy wife shall be a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants around about thy table.’”