Akwa Ibom Governor Names His Daughter As Acting First Lady, Denies Remarriage Rumors

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

Governor Umo Eno made the announcement during a condolence visit by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other dignitaries in Uyo on Friday, October 4.

He explained that his daughter would step in to continue the work of the First Lady’s office and carry forward the initiatives started 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 stated.

Governor Eno expressed his confidence in his daughter’s ability to honor her mother’s legacy and emphasized his commitment to upholding the projects she initiated.

Reflecting on his late wife, the governor spoke emotionally about their deep bond.

He 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, a source of comfort and succour.

“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 rumors about him remarrying, Governor Eno dismissed the speculation during a separate visit from Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

He lightheartedly remarked, “I’m not considering remarrying anytime soon,” joking that he doesn’t have the money to pay another bride price.

He concluded by reinforcing the significance of his wife’s legacy, adding that no one could ever take his late wife’s place.

Eno said, “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.”

KanyiDaily recalls that President Bola Tinubu recently expressed his deepest condolences to Governor Umo Eno following the unexpected death of his wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno.