August 02, (THEWILL) — In a significant moment of honour and remembrance, the Akwa Ibom State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has immortalised the late wife of the Governor, Pastor (Mrs) Patience Kemi Umo Eno, by naming its newly completed auditorium after her.
The Patience Kemi Umo Eno NUJ Auditorium, located at the NUJ State Secretariat, Information Drive, Uyo, was commissioned on Friday, August 1, 2025, by Governor Umo Eno.
The edifice marks the fulfilment of a promise the Governor made during the NUJ New Year Thanksgiving Service earlier this year.
Outgoing NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Amos Etuk, who announced the commissioning, said the union unanimously agreed at its last congress to name the auditorium after the late First Lady in honour of her compassion and humanitarian service.
“Pastor (Mrs) Patience Eno was not only a pillar of support to the Governor but a mother figure whose kind deeds touched many lives. This naming immortalises her legacy and impact on our people”, Etuk stated in an emotional speech.
Governor Eno, visibly moved by the gesture, expressed gratitude to the union for the honour accorded to his late wife. He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding press freedom and professionalism.
Commending Comrade Etuk’s leadership, the Governor noted that the NUJ under his tenure had helped project a positive image of Akwa Ibom. “We have promoted Akwa Ibom as a state and not demoted it. That is what you have done. Governments will come and go, but Akwa Ibom remains constant”, he said.
In appreciation of his contributions, Governor Eno announced the appointment of Comrade Etuk as Senior Special Assistant on Local Media. He also donated new official vehicles to members of the outgoing NUJ State Executive Council, in fulfilment of another earlier promise.
The Governor urged journalists to conduct the August 02 NUJ elections with professionalism, decorum, and a commitment to peace. “My support for you is because of your conduct and how you’ve safeguarded the peace of the state. You’ve not set the state ablaze”, he noted.
Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, praised the Governor’s consistency in fulfilling promises, describing the event as proof of his “finisher’s anointing”. He emphasised the Governor’s respect for press freedom, noting that no journalist has been arrested or harassed under his administration.
Also speaking, the National President of NUJ, Comrade Alhasan Yahaya, commended Governor Eno for his inclusive leadership and appointment of journalists into strategic positions. He lauded the state government’s collaboration with the media, facilitated by the Information Commissioner.
In his farewell remarks, Comrade Etuk described the commissioning as the fulfilment of a 20-year vision that began under the leadership of Comrade Israel Umoh. He assured the Governor of NUJ’s continued partnership with the state.
“Your Excellency, this is the legacy we envisioned. You have been a father to Akwa Ibom NUJ. We assure you that this cooperation will be sustained”, he said.
The event reached its climax with the formal unveiling of the Patience Kemi Umo Eno NUJ Auditorium—a lasting tribute to a woman remembered for her compassion and a symbolic testament to Governor Eno’s support for the media.
