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, Patience Eno.
Governor Eno made this announcement on Friday during a condolence visit from Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other dignitaries in Uyo.
Eno explained that Helen would take on the responsibilities of the First Lady’s office, ensuring that the projects initiated by his late wife, particularly the Golden Initiative For All, continue uninterrupted.
“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,” the governor said.
Expressing his confidence in his daughter’s ability to uphold the values and vision of her late mother, Eno emphasized his commitment to sustaining the First Lady’s office projects.
In an emotional tribute, he described his wife as his “greatest supporter and toughest critic” and reflected on their lifelong bond, saying, “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.”
Governor Eno reassured the people of Akwa Ibom that his late wife’s initiatives would continue under the leadership of his daughter, preserving her mother’s legacy.
During the visit, Mrs. Tinubu praised the governor’s decision, expressing confidence in Obareki’s ability to succeed in her new role. “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, adding that she believed Obareki would accomplish even more than her mother.
In a separate visit by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Eno also addressed rumours about remarrying, humorously dismissing the idea.
“I’m not considering remarrying anytime soon. I don’t have the money to pay another bride price,” he joked.
Helen’s appointment is seen as a continuation of her mother’s efforts, ensuring that the state’s First Lady office remains active and impactfu