The Governor of Akwa-Ibom State, pastor Umo Eno has appointed his daughter, Helen Eno-Obareki as acting first lady of the state following the demise of his wife, Pastor Patience Eno.
The announcement was made during a condolence visit by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu who praised the governor’s decision and expressed confidence in Obareki’s ability to excel, calling it a thoughtful way to preserve the late Eno’s legacy.
In his statement, Eno said:
“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.”
He also expressed his confidence in his daughter’s ability to uphold the values and vision of her late mother, affirming his commitment to sustaining the projects initiated through the First Lady’s office.
The governor In an emotional tribute described his late wife as his “greatest supporter and toughest critic,” recalling their lifelong bond.
He said that his late wife’s absence is irreplaceable, and his focus remains on sustaining her legacy through the work of the First Lady’s office.
Governor Eno gave the people of Akwa Ibom an assurance that the initiatives launched by his late wife would continue, with his daughter leading the way in preserving 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.
Written by Jennifer Amarachi
