Gov Eno, Akwa-Ibom, Names Daughter Acting First Lady Following Wife’s Passing
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has appointed his daughter, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, as the Acting First Lady of the state following the death of his wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno.
The announcement was made during a condolence visit by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other dignitaries in Uyo on Friday.
Governor Eno, in an emotional tribute, described his late wife as his “greatest supporter and toughest critic,” recalling their lifelong bond.
“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,” he said.
The governor introduced his daughter, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, to take on the duties of the First Lady, ensuring continuity of the office and the projects initiated by his late wife, particularly the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA).
“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. She will work closely with the Deputy Governor and the Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Social Welfare,” Governor Eno stated.
He expressed his confidence in his daughter’s ability to uphold the values and vision of her late mother, affirming his commitment to sustaining the projects initiated through the First Lady’s office.
During the visit, Senator Oluremi Tinubu praised Governor Eno’s decision, calling it a thoughtful way to preserve the late Pastor Patience Eno’s legacy.
She noted that the appointment mirrors practices seen in other parts of the world, such as the United States, and expressed confidence in Helen Eno Obareki’s ability to excel in the role.
With his daughter now at the helm of the Office of the First Lady, Governor Eno assured the people of Akwa Ibom that the initiatives launched by Pastor Patience Eno would continue, with Helen Eno Obareki leading the way in preserving her mother’s vision.
