Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has named his daughter, Helen Eno-Obareki, as the Acting First Lady of the state following the passing of his wife, Pastor Patience Eno. The governor made the announcement on Friday during a condolence visit by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other dignitaries in Uyo.
The governor, visibly emotional, praised his daughter’s capabilities and expressed confidence in her ability to carry on the work initiated by her late mother. “To maintain the Office of the First Lady and carry forward my late wife’s work, I present our daughter, Helen, to continue the duties of the office,” Governor Eno said during the visit.
Helen Eno-Obareki will now oversee the continuation of key projects, including the Golden Initiative For All, which was launched by her late mother. Governor Eno emphasized his commitment to ensuring that these initiatives will endure through his daughter’s leadership, which will include working closely with the Deputy Governor and the Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Social Welfare.
In his emotional tribute, Governor Eno remembered his wife, Pastor Patience Eno, as his “greatest supporter and toughest critic.” He spoke about their lifelong bond and the profound loss her passing has brought. “I married her when she was 19 and I was 22. I called her Oluwa-Kemi because she was truly a gift from God. We went through many challenges together, and her passing is an irreplaceable loss for me,” the governor said.
The governor went on to highlight that while his wife’s absence is irreplaceable, he is dedicated to ensuring that her vision and projects continue to impact the people of Akwa Ibom. He described his late wife’s role in the First Lady’s office as transformative, underscoring her efforts in advancing social welfare and women’s empowerment in the state.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in her remarks during the condolence visit, lauded the governor’s decision to appoint his daughter as the Acting First Lady. She described it as a thoughtful move to preserve the legacy of the late First Lady. “Your mom didn’t bring you to me for nothing, and it’s a blessing that your mom’s colleagues and the Vice President’s wife are here to support you,” Tinubu said, offering words of encouragement to Eno-Obareki.
Tinubu also expressed her confidence in Helen’s ability to exceed the accomplishments of her late mother. “I know you well, and I believe God will guide you. You will accomplish even more than your mother, and He will grant you good health,” she assured the new Acting First Lady.
Governor Eno also addressed rumors about his personal life during a separate visit by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, humorously quashing speculations regarding his plans to remarry. “I’m not considering remarrying anytime soon. I don’t have the money to pay another bride price,” he said, lightening the mood.
With this new development, Helen Eno-Obareki steps into the role of Acting First Lady, a position she will hold as the state continues to honor her mother’s legacy. Governor Eno reaffirmed his commitment to the work done by his late wife, and assured that the Office of the First Lady will continue to serve the people of Akwa Ibom under his daughter’s stewardship.
