…Leads by Example, Shows Humility and Humanity in Lagos Farewell
By Ndifreke Bassey, Newsday Reporter, Lagos
In a world where public office often builds walls between duty and emotion, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State once again reminded everyone that behind the title, the convoy, and the weight of leadership beats the heart of a man — deeply human, gentle, and grounded in family values.
The governor arrived quietly in Lagos for a deeply personal engagement — the funeral of his late uncle, Barrister Patrick Eno Abak (JP) — who passed on to eternal rest on August 19, 2025. His arrival was without ceremony or political fanfare: no blaring sirens, no cameras waiting for soundbites, no large entourage on government expense. It was simply the governor, his faith, and his family, moving with humility and purpose.
The funeral mass, held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Owode Reservation Estate, Langbasa, Ajah, Lagos, was solemn yet dignified. Friends and family gathered to celebrate a life richly lived and to comfort one another in faith.
For Governor Eno, the journey to Lagos was more than a formal duty — it was a pilgrimage of love and remembrance, a chance to reconnect with family and honour the memory of a man whose life had influenced his own values of service and compassion.
Late Barrister Patrick Eno Abak, born in Eket in 1949, was a man of discipline and integrity. A decorated officer of the Nigeria Police Force and later a respected lawyer, he lived by the principles of justice, fairness, and humility.
He earned a British Police Diploma in England, returned to serve his country with distinction, and later fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a lawyer at the University of Lagos. His legal career was marked by brilliance and empathy — known for taking on pro bono cases and reputed for never losing a single one throughout his years of practice.
Those who knew him described him as a quiet achiever, a loving husband, and a compassionate friend. He lived by example and left behind a legacy of faith, integrity, and service to humanity.
At the funeral, there were no political speeches or media displays. Instead, there were hymns of farewell, quiet tears, and heartfelt tributes. The governor sat among family members, not as a public figure, but as a son and nephew paying his last respects.
His calm and humble presence spoke volumes. It showed that even in the highest corridors of power, one can still embrace the virtues of modesty and kinship — a reflection of the same humility that has become the signature of his leadership in Akwa Ibom State.
The pomp and pageantry of high office have never made him forget the timelessness of family bonds. Governor Eno remains deeply connected to his roots, always mindful of the ties that shaped his humanity long before the trappings of power came calling.
Observers noted that his conduct was a lesson in leadership — that the truest measure of greatness lies not in pomp and pageantry, but in simplicity and sincerity.
He demonstrated that power need not alienate one from humanity, and that the best of leaders are those who still know how to bow their heads in prayer, share in the grief of others, and remember their roots.
For many, the moment recalled the governor’s philosophy of “living to serve.” His actions reflected his belief that life’s purpose is found not in public applause, but in quiet service to others — a belief deeply shared by his late uncle.
As the service ended and the congregation dispersed, the governor lingered a while longer — exchanging words of comfort, offering gratitude to the priests, and embracing relatives he had not seen in years.
There was something profoundly moving about that scene: a leader stripped of ceremony, standing in the company of family, bound by shared memories and mutual love.
It was a moment that spoke to the soul — that leadership, at its core, is about empathy; that power, when used with humility, heals rather than divides; and that true greatness is found not in the noise of public life, but in the quiet chambers of the heart.
The moral lesson from this moment was unmistakable. Governor Umo Eno reminded us that leadership is not about how loudly one is followed, but how sincerely one feels — about the courage to remain human in a world that often forgets what humanity means.
As the solemn hymns faded into the Lagos air, the memory of a humble governor and a good man lingered — both bound by faith, family, and the eternal power of love.
May the soul of Barrister Patrick Eno Abak (JP) rest in perfect peace.
Heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, and family from the management and staff of Newsday.
