Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has appointed his daughter, Helen Eno-Obareki, as the Interim 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.
According to the governor, his daughter would assume the responsibilities of the First Lady, ensuring continuity of the office and the initiatives started by his late wife, particularly the Golden Initiative For All.
“To preserve the Office of the First Lady and advance 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,” the governor said.
He expressed his confidence in his daughter’s ability to carry forward the values and vision of her late mother, reaffirming his commitment to sustaining the projects launched through the First Lady’s office.
In an emotional speech, the governor described his late wife as his “greatest ally and harshest critic,” reflecting on their deep connection.
He emphasized that his late wife’s absence is irreplaceable and that his focus remains on continuing her legacy through the work of the First Lady’s office.
Eno assured the people of Akwa Ibom that the programs initiated by his late wife would endure, with his daughter leading the way to preserve her mother’s vision.
“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.
During the visit, Mrs. Tinubu praised the governor’s decision and expressed confidence in Obareki’s ability to succeed, calling it a wise move to preserve the late Eno’s legacy.
Offering encouragement to the new First Lady, Mrs. Tinubu said, “Your mom didn’t bring you to me without reason, and it’s a blessing that your mom’s colleagues and the Vice President’s wife are here to support you. I know you well, and I believe God will guide you. You will accomplish even more than your mother, and He will grant you strength.”
Governor Eno, addressing rumors of him taking a second wife, made light of the situation during a separate condolence visit from Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
“I’m not considering remarriage anytime soon,” he said, humorously adding that he doesn’t have the resources to pay another bride price. He stressed that the gap left by his late wife cannot be filled.
“Her legacy will live on in our hearts. She initiated several programs, and that’s why I introduced our daughter, Helen, to the First Lady’s office. She will step in to manage the work, ensuring that the Office of the First Lady continues the initiatives my wife started.”
