The Akwa Ibom State Government has declared Friday, November 29, 2024, a public holiday in honor of the late Pastor Mrs. Patience Eno, wife of Governor Umo Eno.
The day will coincide with her burial in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.
This announcement was made on Wednesday by Prince Uwah, the Secretary to the State Government, who noted that the decision followed consultations with the bereaved family.
“Further to the final home-going of our departed First Lady, Akwa Ibom State Government, in consultation with the bereaved family, has declared Friday, 29th November 2024, a Work-Free Day in honor of our dear mother,” Uwah stated. He added that the holiday would allow residents of Akwa Ibom to pay their last respects to the late First Lady.
In a related development, Governor Umo Eno has proscribed the Ibom Youth Council (IYC), the state’s umbrella youth organization, citing security concerns. The proscription was announced in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, who described the group’s activities as a threat to public safety and order.
“The group and its members have been adjudged dangerous to the good of the people and government of Akwa Ibom State,” Ememobong stated.
Under the Ibom Youth Council (Proscription) Order, 2024, issued pursuant to Section 71 of the Criminal Code Law, Vol. 2, Laws of Akwa Ibom State 2022, all activities of the group, including meetings, rallies, and gatherings, are now banned.
Security agencies have been instructed to enforce the ban and ensure compliance with the directive.