Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has appointed his daughter, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, as the Acting First Lady of the state, following the passing of his wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno.
The decision, made to honor the late Pastor Patience’s legacy, has been widely praised, including by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
During a visit to the Eno family in Uyo, Senator Tinubu expressed her condolences and voiced support for Helen’s new role. She applauded the move as a fitting tribute to Pastor Patience’s memory, especially in continuing her charitable efforts through the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA).
Comparing the appointment to practices in other countries, Senator Tinubu described it as a thoughtful way to ensure that Pastor Patience’s philanthropic initiatives are sustained. She was accompanied on her visit by Hajia Nana Shettima, the wife of the Vice President, along with several wives of state governors and National Assembly leaders.
Senator Tinubu also expressed confidence in Helen’s ability to uphold her mother’s legacy. “I believe Helen will continue to carry on her late mother’s work with dedication,” she said.
Reflecting on his late wife’s life, Governor Eno shared heartfelt memories of their life together, noting that they married when she was just 19 and he was 22.
“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 support. We faced many challenges together, but we also celebrated victories. Her passing is an irreplaceable loss. She was my virtuous woman, my greatest supporter, and my toughest critic. Her absence will be felt for the rest of my life,” Governor Eno said.
Addressing his daughter’s new role, Governor Eno emphasized the importance of continuing the work his late wife had begun as First Lady. “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 stated.
Senator Tinubu also acknowledged Pastor Patience’s significant contributions, both to her national pet projects and to her husband’s ARISE governance initiative.
Offering personal words of encouragement to Helen, Senator Tinubu said, “Politics aside, we are all Nigerians. One of the things I thank God for is the opportunity to show love and care when we meet people. I 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.”
Turning to Helen directly, she added, “Helen, your mother didn’t bring you to me for nothing. 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.”
