Akwa Ibom declares Friday public holiday to honor late First Lady

The Akwa Ibom State Government has declared Friday, November 29, 2024, a public holiday to honor the late Pastor Mrs. Patience Eno, wife of Governor Umo Eno, who will be laid to rest on the same day.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Uwah, who stated that the decision was reached after consultations with the bereaved Eno 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.

“This is to enable Akwa Ibomites and other residents to pay their last respects during the obsequies in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area,” Uwah said.

Governor Eno Proscribes Ibom Youth Council (IYC)

On the same day, Governor Umo Eno announced the proscription of the Ibom Youth Council (IYC), the state’s umbrella youth organization, citing security concerns.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, the governor declared the group’s activities as detrimental 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.

“All activities of this group, including meetings, rallies, and other gatherings, are banned. This proscription is made under the powers conferred on the Governor by Section 71 of the Criminal Code Law, 39, Vol. 2, Laws of Akwa Ibom State 2022.

“It will be cited as the Ibom Youth Council (Proscription) Order, 2024, and will take effect today.”

Security agencies have been directed to enforce the order strictly, ensuring compliance with the ban on all IYC-related activities.