Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki has been named Acting First Lady of Akwa Ibom State.
Helen is the daughter of the sitting state governor, Umo Eno.
The governor made the appointment following the death of his wife, Pastor Patience Eno recently.
He made the announcement when Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, paid him a condolence visit over the death of his wife in Uyo, the state capital.
Governor Eno, in an emotional tribute, described his late wife as his “greatest supporter and toughest critic,” recalling their lifelong bond.
His words, “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.”
The governor introduced his daughter, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, to take on the duties of the First Lady, ensuring continuity of the office and the projects initiated by his late wife, particularly the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA).
“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,” Governor Eno stated.
He 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.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE reports that during the visit, Senator Oluremi Tinubu praised Governor Eno’s decision, calling it a thoughtful way to preserve the late Pastor Patience Eno’s legacy.
“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 well, and I believe God will guide you. You will accomplish even more than your mother, and He will grant you good health,” Senator Tinubu said.
She noted that the appointment mirrors practices seen in other parts of the world, such as the United States, and expressed confidence in Helen Eno Obareki’s ability to excel in the role.
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