Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has appointed his daughter, Mrs. Helen Obareki, as the Acting First Lady of the state following the passing of his wife, Pastor Patience Eno.
The announcement came during a condolence visit by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other dignitaries in Uyo on Friday. In an emotional tribute, Governor Eno described his late wife as his “greatest supporter and toughest critic,” reflecting on their enduring bond.
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“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 faced many challenges together, and her death is an irreplaceable loss to me,” he said.
He introduced his daughter, Mrs. Obareki, to take on the responsibilities of the First Lady, ensuring the continuation of the office’s work, especially the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA) founded by Pastor Patience.
“To maintain the Office of the First Lady and continue my late wife’s projects, I present our daughter, Helen, to assume the duties of the office. She will collaborate with the Deputy Governor and the Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Social Welfare,” Governor Eno explained.
He expressed his belief in his daughter’s capability to uphold her mother’s values and vision, reaffirming his commitment to sustaining the initiatives started by the First Lady’s office.
During the visit, Senator Tinubu praised the governor’s decision as a thoughtful way to preserve Pastor Patience’s legacy. She compared the move to similar practices around the world, including the United States, and expressed confidence in Mrs. Obareki’s ability to succeed in the role.
In her words of encouragement, Senator Tinubu said, “Your mother didn’t bring you to me for nothing. It’s a blessing that her 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 achieve even more than your mother, and He will grant you good health.”
Governor Eno also humorously addressed rumors of him remarrying during a separate visit by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. “I’m not considering remarrying anytime soon,” he said, jokingly adding, “I don’t have the money to pay another bride price.”
He reiterated that his focus is on preserving his late wife’s legacy through the work of the First Lady’s office. With his daughter now leading the office, he assured the people of Akwa Ibom that the initiatives started by Pastor Patience would continue, with Mrs. Obareki at the forefront of advancing her mother’s vision.
