Nigeria – Akwa Ibom Governor Appoints Daughter Acting First Lady

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has appointed his daughter, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, as the Acting First Lady following the passing of his wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno.

The announcement was made during a condolence visit by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Uyo on Friday.

Senator Tinubu expressed her support for the appointment, commending the governor’s decision to continue the late First Lady’s legacy, particularly through her charity, the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA).

Tinubu noted that the move is reminiscent of similar practices in the United States and serves as a meaningful way to preserve Pastor Patience’s impact on the state.

Accompanying the First Lady were Hajia Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President, and wives of state governors and presiding officers of the National Assembly.

Governor Umo Eno, reflecting on the deep bond he shared with his late wife, said, “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 succor. We went through many challenges together, and we shared in both victories and losses.

“Her passing is an irreplaceable loss for me. She was my embodiment of the biblical virtuous woman, my greatest supporter, and also my toughest critic. Her absence will be felt for the rest of my life.”

On the transition of the First Lady’s duties, Governor Eno introduced his daughter, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, stating, “It is not an easy task ahead. But 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.”

The governor expressed full confidence in his daughter’s ability to uphold her late mother’s values and vision, pledging to continue supporting the projects initiated through the First Lady’s Office.

In her response, Senator Tinubu praised Pastor Patience Eno’s support for her own national pet project and her dedication to the governor’s ARISE governance agenda.

“Politics aside, we are all Nigerians, and one of the things I thank God for is the opportunity to show love and care when we meet people. I want to thank God for Patience’s life, though short, she completed her race. May God comfort you, your family, and your children. I will always be here for you,” she assured the governor.

Addressing Helen directly, Senator Tinubu offered encouragement: “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.”

In a lighter moment during a separate condolence visit from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Eno dismissed rumors of him remarrying, saying, “I’m not considering remarrying anytime soon,” and joking that he doesn’t have the money to pay another bride price.

He emphasized that the vacancy left by his wife is irreplaceable and that her legacy would live on through their daughter’s stewardship of the First Lady’s office.