By Halimah Olamide
Following the passing of his wife, Patience Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Governor, Umo Eno, has appointed his daughter, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, as the Acting First Lady.
This was announced during a condolence visit by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu alongside other dignitaries in Uyo on Friday.
Recall that NPO reported that Mrs Eno passed on following a brief illness.
Reminiscing on their shared time together, he described 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.
”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,” he said.
He further expressed confidence in his daughter’s ability to uphold the values and vision of her late mother.
He also restated his commitment to ensuring the sustenance of projects initiated through the First Lady’s office.
In an emotional tribute, the governor described his late wife as his “greatest supporter and toughest critic,” recalling their lifelong bond.