Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has appointed his daughter, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, as the acting First Lady of the state, following the tragic death of his wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno.
The announcement was made during a condolence visit led by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, alongside a high-profile delegation, including Hajia Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President, and wives of state governors and National Assembly presiding officers. The group gathered on Friday to mourn with Governor Eno, who introduced his daughter as the new face of the Office of the First Lady.
Senator Tinubu commended the governor's decision, drawing comparisons to similar practices in the United States, and praised the move as a thoughtful way to uphold the legacy of the late Patience Eno. “Though short, Patience completed her race,” Tinubu remarked. “May God comfort you, your family, and your children.”
Governor Eno, visibly emotional, spoke of the deep connection he shared with his late wife, calling her his “greatest supporter and toughest critic.” In an emotional tribute, he acknowledged the challenge ahead but presented his daughter, Helen, as the acting First Lady who would continue the humanitarian work started by his late wife.
“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,” Governor Eno declared.
