Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State 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 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.

“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.

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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.

He emphasised that his late wife’s absence is irreplaceable, and his focus remains on sustaining her legacy through the work of the First Lady’s office.

Eno assured the people of Akwa Ibom that the initiatives launched by his late wife would continue, with his daughter leading the way in preserving her mother’s vision.

“I married her when she was 19 and I was 22. I called her Oluwa-Kemi because she was truly a gift from God. We went through many challenges together, and her passing is an irreplaceable loss for me,” he said.

During the visit, Mrs Tinubu praised the governor’s decision and expressed confidence in Obareki’s ability to excel, calling it a thoughtful way to preserve the late Eno’s legacy.

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Offering words of encouragement to the new First Lady, Mrs Tinubu said, “Your mom didn’t bring you to me for nothing, and 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.”

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.”