Governor Umo Eno's Daughter Takes Over as Akwa Ibom's Acting First Lady

Akwa Ibom's New Acting First Lady: Helen Eno-Obareki

“We went through many challenges together and her passing is an irreplaceable loss for me.”

Governor Umo Eno appoints daughter Helen Eno Obareki as Acting First Lady, continuing late wife Pastor Patience Umo Eno's legacy & initiatives.

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has appointed his daughter, Helen Eno Obareki, to take over the responsibilities of the First Lady following the passing of his wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno. This move ensures the continuity of the office and the various initiatives she started, particularly the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), a program aimed at improving the lives of the people in Akwa Ibom State.

Governor Eno reflected on his deep bond with his late wife, describing her as his “greatest supporter and toughest critic.” He shared that they married young, with his wife being just 19 and him 22, and faced many challenges together. He affectionately called her “Oluwa-Kemi,” meaning “gift from God,” and acknowledged her passing as an irreplaceable loss.

“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,” the governor said.

This development comes after Pastor Patience Umo Eno's passing on September 26, 2024. Governor Umo Eno appreciated the support during this challenging time and assured citizens of his unwavering commitment to serving the state.

By assuming this role, Helen will be carrying forward her mother's legacy, who was the founder and initiator of GIFA. This initiative is part of the governor's ARISE Agenda, focusing on poverty reduction, job creation, and improved standard of living.

The appointment was announced during a condolence visit from Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other dignitaries in Uyo. This decision reflects Governor Umo Eno's commitment to sustaining his late wife's vision and impact on the state.

During a condolence visit, Senator Oluremi Tinubu praised Governor Eno's decision, calling it a heartfelt way to honor Pastor Patience Umo Eno's legacy. She noted that this appointment mirrors practices in other regions, such as the United States, where family members often continue a leader's work. Senator Tinubu expressed faith in Helen Eno Obareki's ability to excel in her new role.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu offered heartfelt encouragement to Helen Eno Obareki during a condolence visit to the Eno family in Uyo, saying: “Helen, 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.” She also expressed her confidence in Helen, stating, “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.”

This uplifting message came as Senator Tinubu praised Governor Umo Eno's decision to appoint Helen as the Acting First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, following the passing of her mother, Pastor Patience Umo Eno. The appointment reflects practices seen in the United States, where family members often continue a leader's work, and ensures the sustainability of Pastor Patience Eno's legacy, particularly through her pet project, the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA).

Governor Umo Eno appointed his daughter, Helen Eno Obareki, to succeed her late mother as First Lady, ensuring continuity of the office and its initiatives, notably the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA).

“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,”

Governor Eno stated.

Governor Umo Eno has expressed full confidence in his daughter, Helen Eno Obareki, to carry forward the values and vision of her late mother, Pastor Patience Umo Eno. He reiterated his commitment to sustaining the projects initiated by the First Lady's office, ensuring continuity and progress.

Governor Umo Eno playfully dismissed rumors of taking a second wife during a visit from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, joking that he doesn't have the financial means to pay another bride price [no source found]. This lighthearted response came amidst condolences for the passing of his wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, who played a vital role in the state's initiatives, particularly the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA).

“I'm not considering remarrying anytime soon,” he said

Adding that, “I don't have the money to pay another bride price.”

Governor Umo Eno emphasized that his late wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, is irreplaceable, and his main focus now is to honor her memory by continuing her remarkable work through the First Lady's office. He's committed to keeping her legacy alive, particularly her initiatives like the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), which has made a significant impact in Akwa Ibom State. By doing so, he ensures that her dedication and contributions to the state's development continue to benefit the people she cared about.

Governor Umo Eno has reassured the people of Akwa Ibom that his late wife's initiatives will continue to thrive, with his daughter Helen Eno Obareki now at the helm of the Office of the First Lady. This move ensures that Pastor Patience Eno's vision and legacy will endure, particularly through her flagship program, the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA).

Tinubu commended Governor Eno's decision, acknowledging Helen's capability to excel in her new role. With Helen at the helm, the Office of the First Lady will continue to thrive, building on the impactful initiatives started by her mother. This development is a testament to Governor Eno's commitment to sustaining his wife's vision and dedication to the people of Akwa Ibom State.

With Helen leading the Office of the First Lady, the people of Akwa Ibom can expect continuity and progress in various initiatives that were close to Pastor Patience Eno's heart. Her legacy will undoubtedly live on through her daughter's dedicated efforts.