Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State Appoints Daughter as Acting First Lady After Wife’s Passing
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has named his daughter, Helen Eno-Obareki, as the Acting First Lady of the state following the recent death 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, the state capital, on Friday, October 4.
Governor Eno explained that his daughter would take on the responsibilities of the First Lady, ensuring the continuity of initiatives started by his late wife.
“To maintain the Office of the First Lady and continue my late wife’s work, I present our daughter, Helen, to assume the duties of this position. She will work closely with the Deputy Governor and the Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Social Welfare,” he stated, expressing confidence in his daughter’s ability to uphold her mother’s values and vision. He reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining the projects initiated by the First Lady’s office.
Reflecting on his deep bond with his late wife, Governor Eno shared, “I married her when she was 19, and I was 22. I called her Oluwa-Kemi because she was truly a gift from God, a source of comfort and support. We faced many challenges together, sharing both victories and losses. Her passing is an irreplaceable loss for me. She embodied the biblical virtuous woman, my greatest supporter, and my toughest critic. Her absence will be felt for the rest of my life.”
In response to rumors about remarrying, Governor Eno humorously addressed the matter during a separate condolence visit from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, saying, “I’m not considering remarriage anytime soon,” and joking that he doesn’t have the funds to pay another bride price.
He emphasized that his late wife’s role cannot be replaced, stating, “Her legacy will live on in our hearts. She initiated several projects, which is why I introduced our daughter, Helen, to the First Lady role. She will step in to coordinate the work and ensure that the Office of the First Lady continues the programs my wife started.”