By Dipo Olowookere
The First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs Patience Umo Eno, has passed away, a statement from the Commissioner for Information in the state, Mr Ini Ememobong, has confirmed.
The notice, issued on Friday morning, disclosed that the wife of the Governor of Akwa Ibom, Mr Umo Eno, died after a brief illness.
According to the Commissioner, the woman breathed her last in the presence of her family at the hospital on Thursday at the age of 57.
The family, which has requested privacy as they mourn her, has promised to provide further details to members of the public, especially residents of the state, as necessary.
“The family submits to the will of the Almighty and asks for the prayers and support of kind-hearted individuals during this difficult time.
“Further details will be provided by the family as necessary.
“The Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, appreciates all who have stood by the first family in this period and assures all the citizens that despite this huge personal loss, his commitment to the service of the state is unwavering,” Mr Ememobong said in the statement.
Modupe Gbadeyanka 
Adedapo Adesanya