Governor Eno Picks Acting First Lady After Wife’s Death As Remi Tinubu Hails Appointment
Akwa Ibom state Governor, Umo Eno has named his daughter, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki as the acting first lady of the state, following the demise of his wife, Pastor Mrs Patience Eno.
The governor who expressed his full confidence in his daughter’s ability to preserve the values and vision of her late mother, pledged to sustain the projects initiated through the First Lady’s Office.
Govenor Eno said, “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.”
He however reflected on his deep bond with his late wife, noting that “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,” he said.
“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.”
In the meantime, The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has praised Governor Umo Eno’s decision to appoint his daughter, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, to take over the role of First Lady of Akwa Ibom State following the passing of his wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno.
During a condolence visit to the Eno family in Uyo on Friday, Senator Tinubu expressed her support for Helen Eno Obareki’s appointment, noting that it reflects practices seen in the United States and is a thoughtful way to sustain the late Patience Eno’s legacy, particularly through her pet project, the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA).
Senator Tinubu acknowledged Pastor Patience Eno’s support for her own national pet project as well as her dedication to her husband’s ARISE governance agenda.
She said “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.
