Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has named his daughter, Helen Eno-Obareki, as the Acting First Lady of the state, following the death of his wife, Pastor Patience Eno.
The announcement was made on Friday during a condolence visit by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other dignitaries in Uyo. Governor Eno explained that his daughter would now assume the responsibilities of the Office of the First Lady to ensure the continuation of the initiatives started by his late wife, notably the Golden Initiative For All.
“To sustain the Office of the First Lady and carry forward my late wife’s work, I present our daughter, Helen, to take on the duties of the office. She will collaborate closely with the Deputy Governor and the Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Social Welfare,” Eno announced.
The governor expressed his confidence in Helen’s ability to uphold the values and vision of her mother, reinforcing his commitment to maintaining the projects initiated through the First Lady’s office.
In a heartfelt tribute, Governor Eno remembered his late wife as his “greatest supporter and toughest critic,” reflecting on their enduring bond. He emphasized that her absence is irreplaceable, but he is focused on preserving her legacy through the continued work of the First Lady’s office.
“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 faced many challenges together, and her passing is an irreplaceable loss for me,” Eno shared emotionally.
He assured the people of Akwa Ibom that the initiatives launched by Pastor Patience Eno would continue under Helen’s leadership, preserving her mother’s vision.
During her visit, Senator Oluremi Tinubu commended Governor Eno’s decision, expressing confidence in Helen’s ability to excel in her new role. She called the appointment a thoughtful way to honor the late First Lady’s legacy.
Speaking to the new First Lady, Senator Tinubu said, “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. I believe God will guide you to accomplish even more than your mother, and He will grant you good health.”
In a lighter moment, Governor Eno also humorously addressed rumors about him considering a second marriage during a visit from Senate President Godswill Akpabio. He jokingly dismissed the idea, saying, “I’m not considering remarrying anytime soon. I don’t have the money to pay another bride price.”
Helen Eno-Obareki’s appointment signals continuity and dedication to sustaining her late mother’s vision for the state.
