Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has made an emotional tribute to his late wife Patience, expressing his ongoing struggle to accept her death.
His heartfelt words are featured in the 160-page Legacy of A Golden Woman, a book edited by journalist Anietie Usen which chronicles the life and legacy of the deceased.
Mrs Eno, who died on September 26 aged 57, was remembered as a devoted partner and a pillar of strength throughout their 38-year marriage.
Eno described his deep grief, writing, “The emptiness is galling and the sense of loss is deep and penetrating. But I must face the painful reality and accept the finality of the moment.”
In his tribute, the governor reminisced about their first meeting where Patience’s beauty and melodious voice left an indelible impression on him.
“I still remember the day we met. You were standing there, belting songs of praise to the Lord, in your sonorous voice. You were beautiful, enchanting, and alluringly attractive and I remember saying to myself: ‘This is the wife God has ordained for me.’
“We were young and impressionable but steeped in the word of God and the concept of what was right and wrong. We were both choristers and when you agreed to travel with me on the boulevard of love, it was the greatest moment of my life,” he wrote.
During Eno’s campaign, opponents mocked his complexion, but Patience turned the derision into a term of endearment, calling him her “Golden Boy.” This affectionate nickname has since become the slogan for his administration and inspired her pet project, the Golden Initiative for All.
Eno acknowledged her enduring support: “You gave me the name that has defined my administration today ‘The Golden Boy’. You always told me: ‘UB, I know you will serve our people because God prepared you for this moment.'”
Following his wife’s death, Eno appointed their first daughter Helen Obareki as the coordinator of the state’s first lady’s office.
The deceased was buried on Friday at her family compound in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.
