Gov. Umo Eno appoints daughter as acting first lady

October 06, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has appointed his daughter, Helen Eno-Obareki, as the Acting First Lady of the state, following the passing 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.

Governor Eno expressed confidence in his daughter’s ability to carry out the duties of the First Lady, ensuring continuity of the office and the projects initiated by his late wife, particularly the Golden Initiative For All.

“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.

“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.

Governor Eno also addressed rumors about him remarrying, dismissing the idea. He jokingly mentioned that he couldn’t afford another bride price during a 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.”

This move has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising the governor’s decision and others questioning the necessity of the First Lady’s office.