Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has appointed his daughter, Helen Eno-Obareki, as the Acting First Lady of the state following the death of his wife, Pastor Patience Eno.
The governor made the announcement on Friday during a condolence visit by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other dignitaries in Uyo.
Eno stated that his daughter would take on the duties of the First Lady, ensuring continuity of the office and the projects initiated by his late wife, particularly the Golden Initiative For All.
“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 said.
He expressed his confidence in his daughter’s ability to uphold the values and vision of her late mother, affirming his commitment to sustaining the projects initiated through the First Lady’s office.
In an emotional tribute, the governor described his late wife as his “greatest supporter and toughest critic,” recalling their lifelong bond.
The governor also addressed rumours about him taking a second wife, humorously dismissing the idea during a separate visit by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
He said, “I’m not considering remarrying anytime soon. I don’t have the money to pay another bride price.”
