The Akwa Ibom State government has declared Friday, November 29, as a work-free day to honour the late First Lady, Mrs. Patience Umo Eno.
The announcement was made in Uyo on Wednesday through a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah.
According to the statement, the decision is intended to give Akwa Ibom residents and well-wishers the opportunity to pay their final respects to Mrs. Patience Eno, who passed away in September 2024 after a brief illness.
She will be laid to rest in the governor’s hometown of Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsik-Ibium Local Government Area.
The SSG said, “Further to the final home-going programme of our departed First Lady, Her Excellency, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno, the Akwa Ibom State Government, in consultation with the bereaved family, has declared Friday, 29th November, 2024, a work-free day in honour of our dear mother.
“This is to enable Akwa Ibomites to pay their last respect to our mother at her obsequies in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsik Ubuim Local Government Area of the state on that day. May the gentle soul of our departed First Lady find repose in the bosom of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.”
Mrs. Patience Umo Eno’s passing has left a significant impact on the state, and the declaration of a work-free day underscores the government’s effort to unite the people in mourning and celebration of her life.