Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has appointed his daughter, Helen Eno-Obareki, as the Acting First Lady, following the passing of his wife, Pastor Patience Eno.
The announcement was made during a condolence visit by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other dignitaries in Uyo.
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Governor Eno stated that his daughter would assume the responsibilities of the First Lady’s office, ensuring the continuation of the projects initiated by his late wife, especially the Golden Initiative For All, which focuses on empowering women and children in the state.
“To keep my late wife’s legacy alive and maintain the Office of the First Lady, I have appointed our daughter, Helen, to carry on her duties. She will work closely with the Deputy Governor and the Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Social Welfare to continue the important work she started,” Eno said.
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He expressed his confidence in Helen’s ability to honor her mother’s legacy and uphold the values that guided the First Lady’s office.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the programs initiated by his late wife.
In a heartfelt tribute, Governor Eno described his wife as his “greatest supporter and toughest critic,” reflecting on their long life together.
He emphasized that her absence was deeply felt but expressed hope that her vision would live on through their daughter.
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“I married her when she was just 19, and she was a true gift from God. We faced many challenges together, and her death is an irreplaceable loss. But I am committed to keeping her dreams alive,” he added.
During the visit, Mrs. Tinubu commended the governor’s decision, expressing her belief in Helen’s ability to excel in the role.
She praised the move as a thoughtful way to honor the late First Lady’s memory and ensure continuity of her work.
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“I’m confident that you will succeed and even surpass what your mother accomplished,” Mrs. Tinubu encouraged the new Acting First Lady, adding that she had faith in God’s guidance for her.
In a lighter moment during a separate visit by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Eno addressed rumors about him remarrying, humorously dismissing the idea.
“I’m not thinking about remarrying. I don’t have the money to pay another bride price,” he said, quashing speculation.
Governor Eno reiterated that his focus would remain on sustaining the initiatives of the First Lady’s office and honoring the memory of his late wife.
