Saturday, October 5, 2024 -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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