Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has appointed his daughter, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, as the Acting First Lady of the state following the recent death of his wife, Pastor Patience Eno. This appointment was announced during a condolence visit by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and several other distinguished figures at the Governor’s residence in Uyo.
Pastor Patience Eno, who had been a cornerstone of the governor’s personal and political life, passed away earlier this month. Her death has left a significant void, not only in the family but also in the numerous social and humanitarian projects she championed through the Office of the First Lady. Governor Eno, in an emotional tribute, described his late wife as his “greatest supporter and toughest critic,” highlighting the profound bond they shared since their youth. “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 faced many challenges together, and her passing is an irreplaceable loss for me,” he shared.
In his address, Governor Eno introduced Helen Eno Obareki, their eldest daughter, as the Acting First Lady. He expressed his confidence in her ability to carry on her mother’s legacy with dedication and compassion. “Helen will continue the mission her mother started. She has always been deeply involved in the initiatives we began together. I trust she will uphold the same values and bring her unique perspective to the role,” he stated.
This decision has been met with supportive responses from various quarters. Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, lauded the move, noting that it exemplifies practices seen in other parts of the world, such as the United States, where continuity in certain public offices is maintained within families to uphold legacies. She was accompanied by Hajia Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President, as well as wives of state governors and presiding officers of the National Assembly, all of whom extended their condolences and support to the Eno family.
The late Pastor Patience Eno was known for her dedication to humanitarian causes, particularly through the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), which focused on education, healthcare, and empowerment for women and children. Mrs. Obareki has pledged to continue her mother’s work, ensuring that the programs initiated under GIFA will not only persist but also expand to reach more beneficiaries.
