•Colonel Friday Ayanam
•Governor Umo Eno and his late wife Patience
The Salvation Army, Nigeria Territory has consoled the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno as well as the government and people of the state over the death of the First Lady, Her Excellency, Pastor Patience Umo Eno.
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, announced Mrs Umo Eno’s death in a statement issued this morning.
According to the commissioner, the First Lady died at a hospital yesterday, Thursday September 26, 2024, surrounded by family members.
Reacting to the sad news, the Territorial Commander (national leader) of The Salvation Army, Nigeria Territory, Colonel Friday Ayanam, has issued a condolence message to the governor, his family, the government and people of Akwa Ibom State.
The condolence message by Colonel Ayanam on behalf of the largest denomination known internationally for its humanitarian services, was conveyed in a statement today made available to The Frontier.
“On behalf of The Salvation Army, Nigeria Territory, I extend our deepest condolences to you, your family, and the entire Akwa Ibom State Government over the sudden passing of your beloved wife,” said Colonel Ayanam.
“We stand with you, Your Excellency, in these trying times and assure you of our prayers and support. We pray that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart and mind, and that His unfailing love will guide you through this period of mourning,” Ayanam further said.
Below is the full message from The Salvation Army Leader:
CONDOLENCE MESSAGE TO HIS EXCELLENCY, PASTOR UMO ENO, GOVERNOR OF AKWA IBOM STATE
Your Excellency,
On behalf of The Salvation Army, Nigeria Territory, I extend our deepest condolences to you, your family, and the entire Akwa Ibom State Government over the sudden passing of your beloved wife, Her Excellency Patience Umo Eno, on Thursday, 26th August 2024.
We understand that this is a time of immense sorrow and grief. However, we take solace in the truth that this turbulent season, though painful, will surely be overcome through God’s grace and comfort. The Lord, who is our ever-present help in times of trouble, will strengthen and uphold you. As the scripture says:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;”_ Psalm 46:1-2 (KJV)
We stand with you, Your Excellency, in these trying times and assure you of our prayers and support. We pray that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart and mind, and that His unfailing love will guide you through this period of mourning (As seen in Philippians 4:7)
May the Lord comfort you and your entire family, and may the soul of Her Excellency rest in perfect peace, Amen!
Friday Ayanam
Colonel
Territorial Commander
(The Salvation Army, Nigeria Territory)
The Frontier reports that on June 29, 2023, a fatal motor accident claimed the lives of 11 Officers (Pastors), a member and a baby, all of The Salvation Army.
They were returning to Akwa Ibom State from Lagos where they had attended a national programme and the accident happened at a bad spot near Benin City in Edo State.
When the news of the sad event broke out, Governor Umo Eno personally visited all the bereaved families and made donations on behalf of himself and the state government.
