Governor Umo Eno, Mrs Helen Eno Obareki
By Victory Oghene
One week after the demise of the first lady of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor (Mrs) Pastor Patience Umo Eno, the Governor of the state, Umo Eno has announced their daughter, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, as the acting first lady of state.
The announcement was made during a condolence visit by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other dignitaries in Uyo on Friday.
Governor Eno, in an emotional tribute, described his late wife as his “greatest supporter and toughest critic,” recalling their lifelong bond.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
In her remarks, Senator Tinubu offered words of encouragement to Helen: “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.”
Governor Eno also addressed rumours about him taking a second wife, humorously dismissing the idea during a separate visit by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
“I’m not considering remarrying anytime soon,” he said, adding, “I don’t have the money to pay another bride price.”
He emphasised 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.
With his daughter now at the helm of the Office of the First Lady, Governor Eno assured the people of Akwa Ibom that the initiatives launched by Pastor Patience Eno would continue, with Helen Eno Obareki leading the way in preserving her mother’s vision.
