BIOGRAPHY OF HER EXCELLENCY

^“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (KJV)

FAMILY TREE AND CHILDHOOD

On February 20, 1967 in the ancient city of Ibadan, Oyo State, the family of Late Pa Friday John Ekong Inyang of Nung Umoh Orok in Ikot Akpa Ekop in Ikpa Ibom Clan, and Deaconess Justina Ekong Inyang of Ibiaku clan both of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State received the gift of an adorable princess in the person of Her Excellency, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno. Baby Patience, who was the first child, was so charming and a beauty to behold that her father, Late Pa Inyang, gave her a pet name, “Ekaette.”

She was the first child among seven children of this respectable family. Her father who was technically inclined worked as a Technical Supervisor in Alumaco, and Bertola Machine Tools in Lagos. Her mother, Late Deaconess Justina (Ekopimah) Ekong Inyang had great skill in sewing got busy with merchandising and sewing to support the family. Both her parents were active members of The Apostolic Church, Maboju Area, LAWNA Territory.

Education

Her Excellency, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno had her school days in Lagos State. She completed her primary school education at Eleja Primary School, Surulere and obtained her First School Leaving Certificate. She further had her secondary school education at Idi Araba High School. Patience distinguished herself as a bright and diligent student and did extremely well at the 0′ Level School Certificate Examination. She valued her time in Idi-Araba High School as the school had moulded her for the life of hard work and resilience that she would now have to face in pursuit of her dreams. She served as the Assembly Prefect.

Patience’s journey into fashion began at a young age, fueled by her keen observation of her mum’s sewing skills who somewhat taught her how to sew, this sparked a deep passion for design and a natural inclination toward creativity. In her natural disposition of tenacity and faith, she was determined to pursue her dream after being married at an early age; she applied in a Fashion School, Picean Fashions Institute in Ikeja, Lagos State and was thrilled to be accepted. This is where she honed her sewing skills and knowledge of fashion history, and obtained a Diploma in Fashion Designing.

In her unrelenting pursuit of education, she proceeded to the United States where she attended the Valor Christian College, Columbus, Ohio, USA and graduated with a first class degree in Pastoral Leadership. During her time in Columbus, she had reached out to several persons and soon became a part of the community loving and touching lives.

MARITAL LIFE

Due to the culture that was encouraged at the time for an early marriage, the dutiful young lady, Patience, was very much a family woman who kept a stable family. Her marital journey was like a fairy tale of love and passion that resonates every time the story of her love is told to her children and grandchildren.

After turning down several proposals for marriage from different suitors, she was swept off her feet by the charm and captivating destiny of one man, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno after few days of praying, fact checking and soul searching. Her parents were pleased at the homeliness of the young Pastor Eno and gave their blessings.

Pastor Patience recounts, “As I looked at him standing in an empty room, I knew he thought that I was not going to marry him being that he had nothing. So I said to him, “I know what you are thinking! Do not worry, you may have nothing today, but you strike me as one who will have tomorrow, I see you have ambition and vision, I will marry you.” His (young Pastor Eno) excitement knew no bounds as he got that resounding affirmation of acceptance.

Truly, just as she had seen and prophesied, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno may not have had or looked like it at the time but today God watched over those words to perform them.

Her Excellency, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno was married to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno for thirty seven years. They are blessed with six children and ten grand children.

CAREER

Her Excellency, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno was also an accomplished businesswoman who made her mark in the hospitality industry. Over the years, she grew her career with dedication and hard work, establishing herself as a leader and role model in her community.

She had a stint of work at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos as a Sales Rep before beginning her sewing business, gradually establishing herself as a skilled dressmaker.  With the needle and thread, she sewed not just fabrics but garments of love for her family. She never allowed her children go naked. For the period her husband was out of job, she ventured into trading and sold her sewed dresses at Asuani Market in Lagos to ensure that the family dignity was intact.

However, she was not limited by her role as a dressmaker. Her vision extended beyond the confines of her dressmaking enterprise.  Soon after, Pastor Patience moved from Lagos State to Eket, Akwa Ibom State with her children to join her husband, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno where they began a successful career as a hoteliers.

Known as a fulcrum of great developmental strides and an influential role in a leading hospitality and catering services brand in Akwa Ibom State, Royalty Group; she was involved in several start-ups and together with her husband, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno grew the business from 5 rooms to a Group having several other subsidiaries. She served as Deputy Governor and Executive Director in different capacities – Facility Management, Procurement, Hotel Management, Control and Food Hygiene.

Royalty Group has business interests that span through hospitality, catering and allied services with over 5 subsidiaries providing services to several clientele including IOCs and oil servicing companies.

She was also the Managing Director of Modern Stitches Ltd, a fashion designing outfit involved in making all kinds of designer wears – traditional, English and others.  The boutique, ‘Beautiful Minds’ which is a show outlet of Modern Stitches displays both foreign and local accessories and clothe.

Her passion for her work drove her to build a successful family business alongside her husband and create opportunities for others. She believed in the power of hard work and perseverance and always encouraged those around her to pursue their dreams.

FAMILY LIFE

As a wife, Her Excellency, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno was the steadfast, supportive and loving partner to her husband, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, with whom she built a beautiful life. Their relationship was a testament to true love, mutual respect, and faith in God. She was his confidante, support, and faith builder, walking side by side with him through every season of life.

She was a loving mother, whose primary joy and purpose was her family. She created a home filled with warmth, love and discipline. She poured her heart into raising her children with love, faith, and integrity, instilling in them invaluable life lessons, teaching the importance of kindness, patience, and resilience. She was a constant source of support and encouragement for her children, grandchildren, and all those who considered her a spiritual mother. The legacy of her nurturing spirit will live on in the lives of her children and of those she nurtured and guided.

Her Excellency also touched the lives of many beyond her family. Her gentle spirit, generous heart, and caring nature left an indelible mark on everyone she met. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether it was spending time with loved ones, enjoying nature, or offering a helping hand to those in need.

SOCIAL/ POLITICAL LIFE

A woman with a kind heart, Her Excellency, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno was dedicated to giving back to the community and church in her own style and manner. She believed in serving those who were less fortunate, and her generosity extended far beyond financial contributions. She worked tirelessly to support various charitable organizations, food drives, and outreach programs, always striving to make the world a better place. Her selfless acts of kindness left an enduring legacy, as she inspired others to follow her example of compassion and service.

As her husband, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno took a bold step into politics, she joined him as she has always done being his number one cheer leader and armor-bearer trusting God in prayers and working the path of his political journey. She changed the narratives and set the pathway when she said on his birthday celebration, “You call him albino, but I call him my Golden Boy!” This singular statement went viral on social media and became the campaign theme for His Excellency, code naming the season, “The Golden Era”

Like a vision whose time has come, Her Excellency, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno, became the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State after her husband, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno became the fifth democratically elected Governor of Akwa Ibom State. As First Lady, she brought forth the yearnings of her heart to reach out to people and touch lives in Akwa Ibom State and beyond in constant support of her husband her foundation, called GOLDEN INITIATIVE FOR ALL – GIFA. The GIFA project became the vehicle by she set out to reach to children, youths, women and men. The elderly were not also left out.

Whether through supporting local charities, helping the underprivileged, or mentoring those in need of guidance, her generosity knew no bounds. She believed in lifting up others and making a difference wherever she could, and her legacy of service continues to impact many lives.

She was a Patron and Board of Trustee member of several reputable organizations, notable amongst them is the African Women in Leadership Organisation (AWLO).

CHRISTIAN LIFE

A woman of faith, Her Excellency, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno began her Christian work with God in The Apostolic Church, Maboju Area, LAWNA Territory, where she joined her parents to fellowship.

She served God with her gifting – her voice, as was a classical chorister with a distinct sonorous voice like that of the angels. It was this striking voice, her beauty and character that caught the attention of His Excellency in the choir.

She was baptized and later ordained a Deaconess in The Apostolic Church, Maboju Area, LAWNA Territory by Apostle J. E. Okon. She was given several responsibilities in the church and was later appointed the Responsible Deaconess.

She was later ordained a Pastor in All Nations Christian Ministry International and was the First Lady of All Nations, Women’s Leader and Advisor for the Women of Faith Fellowship. On the platform of the Women of Faith Fellowship, she held monthly prayers, organized skill acquisition programs, cash startup grants, and distribution of food stuff and clothes. She was a counselorto those in need, always ready to listen, offer support, and guide individuals through their challenges.

She ministered to her church family, offering spiritual guidance, teaching the Word of God, and encouraging others to walk in faith. Her ability to offer counsel with both empathy and practical wisdom made her a beloved figure in the lives of many. Whether comforting a grieving heart, helping a family in crisis, or simply lending a listening ear, she was a beacon of hope and healing for all who sought her guidance.

Together with her husband, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno they worked in service to God and the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ always pointing them toward the hope and love of Christ.

HER PERSONALITY

It is with heavy hearts and deep appreciation that we celebrate the life of Her Excellency, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno, a devoted wife, loving mother, dedicated pastor, compassionate counselor, successful business woman, and kind hearted philanthropist who devoted her life to the well being of her family and service of others, embracing her calling as a pastor, and First Lady with love, humility, and an unshakable commitment to God’s work.

Her Excellency, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno, merged her considerable creative and technical abilities to meet daily challenges and needs of all her expected deliverables as a wife, mother, business executive, pastor and First Lady of Akwa Ibom State.

A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend; she was a woman of remarkable strength, unwavering faith, and great patience. She was known for her warmth, generosity, and vibrant spirit. Ever smiling, forgetting her pain and reaching out to people with the love of Christ.

HOME GOING

Her Excellency, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno, had led healthy life and was strong till the very last. When she rose concerns about her health, all needed medical attention were made available as prayers were also offered on her behalf to the Lord by family, church and friends. She became well, and was her vibrant and dynamic self again.

Her infectious smile, intense look of correction, and strength remained remarkably legendary to the end. Her love, affection and prayers new no bounds for her husband and children as though she knew it was time to go home. We were, therefore, shattered when, within three days only, of her admission to the hospital, she embraced her Master’s call to come home.

With her last breath, she asked for her anointing oil meaning “anoint my body with ointment for it is time to go home”. She saw the glory, yielded to the giver of life and slept in the Lord quietly and peacefully on the 26^th day of September, 2024.

While her untimely loss is deeply felt throughout the entire family and beyond, looking back on her remarkable life, there is no doubt she fought a good fight, she had finished her course, she had kept the faith and has taken up the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give her at that day: and not to her only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Though her journey on this earth has come to an end, Her Excellency, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her love, strength, and wisdom will continue to guide her family, friends, and loved ones in the years to come.

Her life was a reflection of her faith, her love for others, and her tireless devotion to God. We take comfort in knowing that she is now resting in the arms of her Saviour, and that her spirit lives on in the many lives she touched.

She will forever be remembered as a woman who balanced her roles as wife, mother, and businesswoman with grace, compassion, and resilience.

She leaves behind her dear husband, beloved children, precious grandchildren, brother, sisters, in-laws, and a vast extended family, fellow church members, friends and other beneficiaries of her benevolence who will miss her deeply.