Government declares Friday public holiday

The Akwa Ibom State Government has declared Friday as work-free day in the state.

This declaration is in honour of the late First Lady, Pastor (Mrs) Patience Umo Eno.

According to a statement released by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, on Wednesday, the public holiday is to enable residents of the state to pay their last respects to the late First Lady at her obsequies in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.

The state government had earlier announced the death of the First Lady on September 26, after a brief illness in a hospital. She was 57 years old.

The late First Lady was known for her humanitarian services, particularly through her pet project, the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), which aimed to address some of the challenges in the society.

In a statement, Prince Uwah 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 Work-Free Day in honour of our dear mother.”

He added, “This is to enable Akwaibomites and other residents to pay their last respects to our mother at her obsequies in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area on that day.”