Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State has appointed an Acting First Lady of the state following the death of his wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno.
Gatekeepers News reports that this was announced during a condolence visit by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other dignitaries on Friday in Uyo.
The Governor in an emotional tribute, described his late wife as his “greatest supporter and toughest critic.”
He recalled, “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.”
Governor Eno introduced his daughter, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, to assume the position of First Lady, ensuring continuity of the office and the projects initiated by his late wife, particularly the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA).
He 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,”
The Governor expressed confidence in his daughter’s ability to uphold the values and vision of her late mother and affirmed his commitment to sustaining the projects initiated through the First Lady’s office.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu praised Governor Eno’s decision, calling it a thoughtful way to preserve his wife’s legacy.
She said the appointment mirrors practices seen in other parts of the world, such as United States, and expressed confidence in Helen Eno Obareki’s ability to excel in the role.
The senator offered words of encouragement to Helen, saying, “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.”
