By Chinasaokwu Helen Okoro
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has appointed his daughter, Helen Eno-Obareki, as the Acting First Lady of the state.
This comes weeks after losing his wife, Pastor Patience Eno.
The governor made the announcement during a condolence visit by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other dignitaries in Uyo, the state capital on Friday, October 4.
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.
“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.
Governor Umo Eno, in his remarks, reflected on his deep bond with his late wife.
“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 succour,” 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.”
Addressing rumours of him taking a second wife, Governor Eno made light of the situation during a separate condolence visit from Senate President Godswill Akpabio. “I’m not considering remarrying anytime soon,” he said, joking that he doesn’t have the money to pay another bride price.
He emphasized that the vacancy left by his late wife cannot be filled. “Her legacy will live on in our hearts. She initiated several projects, and that’s why I introduced our daughter, Helen, to the First Lady. She will step in to coordinate the work, ensuring that the Office of the First Lady continues the programs my wife started.”
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