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Eno Appoints Daughter To Coordinate First Lady’s Duties After Wife’s Death

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Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has officially appointed his daughter, Helen Eno-Obareki, as the Acting First Lady of the state, following the death of his wife, Pastor Patience Eno.

The announcement came during a condolence visit by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other top dignitaries, in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, on Friday, October 4.

Eno, who lost his wife just a few weeks ago, said Helen, will take on the role to ensure the continuity of her late mother’s projects and initiatives.

“We cannot allow the work of the Office of the First Lady to stop,” Governor Eno said during the visit. “My daughter, Helen, will step in and work closely with the Deputy Governor and the Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Social Welfare to continue the great work started by my late wife.”

The late Pastor Patience Eno was known for her tireless work in the state, particularly her Golden Initiative For All (GIFA) project. Through this initiative, she championed numerous charitable causes and empowered women and children across Akwa Ibom State.

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Eno expressed confidence that Helen would continue her mother’s legacy and uphold the values that Pastor Patience stood for.

“Helen will ensure that the projects my wife began will go on. She has been a close part of the work and understands the vision. I am confident that she will carry on her mother’s legacy with the same passion and dedication,” he added.

Eno’s remarks were filled with deep emotion as he reflected on his late wife and their journey together.

“I married her when she was 19, and I was 22,” he revealed. “She was truly a gift from God. We shared many challenges, victories, and even losses together. Her death is an irreplaceable loss for me. She was my supporter and my greatest critic, and I will feel her absence for the rest of my life.”

Tinubu, during her visit, offered words of comfort to the grieving governor, acknowledging the strong bond he shared with his late wife.

In her message, she emphasised the importance of family support during times of grief. “You are surrounded by people who love and support you,” she said, adding that the late Pastor Patience Eno’s legacy would not be forgotten.

The visit was one of many from political and religious leaders who have continued to pay their respects to the Eno family during this difficult time.

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In a lighter moment, Governor Eno addressed circulating rumours about him possibly remarrying after his wife’s passing. He made his feelings clear during a separate condolence visit from Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

“I’m not considering remarrying anytime soon,” Governor Eno said, laughing off the speculation. “I don’t have the money to pay another bride price.”

The remark drew laughter from the gathering, but it also underscored his deep sense of loss and the emotional weight of losing his wife of over 30 years.

Governor Eno further emphasised that the vacancy left by his late wife in his personal life could never be filled, making it clear that his focus is on continuing her work, not on finding a new partner.

“My wife’s legacy will live on in the projects she initiated,” the governor said. “That’s why I introduced our daughter, Helen, to take on the role of First Lady. It is not about replacing my wife, because no one can do that. It’s about continuing the good work she started, and Helen is well-equipped to do that.”

Helen Eno-Obareki, the governor’s daughter, steps into her new role with the heavy responsibility of maintaining the programs her mother started. As the Acting First Lady, she will be tasked with overseeing several charitable and development projects in the state.

These include women’s empowerment initiatives, healthcare projects, and educational programs aimed at improving the lives of the people of Akwa Ibom.

While relatively unknown in the political scene, Helen has been actively involved in her mother’s initiatives behind the scenes for years. Many believe she will bring a fresh perspective and youthful energy to the office, while continuing the core principles that her mother valued.

Eno assured the public that Helen would work closely with key figures in the government to ensure the success of her new role.

“She will have the support she needs,” he said. “Our Deputy Governor, as well as the Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Social Welfare, will work hand-in-hand with her to continue the work.”

The state government has declared a period of mourning in honour of the late First Lady, and various events have been planned to celebrate her life and contributions.

In the weeks since her passing, tributes have poured in from all corners of the country, with many describing her as a pillar of strength and a mother to the state.

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