Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has named his daughter, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, as the Acting First Lady of the state following the passing of his wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno. The decision, made to continue the late First Lady’s work, has garnered support from Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Senator Tinubu, alongside other dignitaries, paid a condolence visit to the Eno family in Uyo on Friday. During the visit, she praised Governor Eno’s decision to appoint his daughter, noting that it mirrors practices seen in the United States. Tinubu also highlighted that the move would help preserve the legacy of the late First Lady, especially through her pet project, the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA).
The First Lady was accompanied by Hajia Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President, as well as the wives of state governors and leaders from the National Assembly. Speaking on the appointment, Senator Tinubu expressed her confidence in Helen’s ability to continue her mother’s work, offering words of encouragement and support.
In an emotional reflection, Governor Eno spoke of his deep connection with his late wife. “I married her when she was 19, and I was 22. She was truly a gift from God, a source of comfort. We shared in challenges, victories, and losses. Her passing is an irreplaceable loss for me,” he said. Describing his wife as the embodiment of the biblical virtuous woman, he emphasized that her absence will be felt for the rest of his life.
The governor officially introduced his daughter as the Acting First Lady, stating that the role would not be easy but was essential for maintaining the Office of the First Lady and continuing the projects started by his late wife. Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki is expected to work closely with the Deputy Governor and the Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Social Welfare to ensure the continuation of her mother’s initiatives.
Senator Tinubu, in her remarks, acknowledged Pastor Patience Eno’s contributions to national projects and her support for her husband’s ARISE governance agenda. “Though her life was short, she completed her race. May God comfort you, your family, and your children. I will always be here for you,” she told the governor.
Turning to Helen, Senator Tinubu offered personal encouragement. “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 know you will accomplish even more than your mother, and God will guide you.”
Governor Eno also addressed rumors surrounding his personal life, quipping during a separate condolence visit from Senate President Godswill Akpabio that he had no plans to remarry soon. “I’m not considering remarrying anytime soon,” he joked, adding that his late wife’s place in his heart is irreplaceable.
He reaffirmed his commitment to preserving his wife’s legacy through the continuation of her projects, with his daughter, Helen, now at the helm of the Office of the First Lady.
