The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has praised Governor Umo Eno’s decision to appoint his daughter, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, to take over the role of First Lady of Akwa Ibom State following the passing of his wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno.
During a condolence visit to the Eno family in Uyo on Friday, Senator Tinubu expressed her support for Helen Eno Obareki’s appointment, noting that it reflects practices seen in the United States and is a thoughtful way to sustain the late Patience Eno’s legacy, particularly through her pet project, the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA).
Senator Tinubu was accompanied on the condolence visit by Hajia Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President, as well as wives of state governors and presiding officers of the National Assembly.
Governor Umo Eno, in his remarks, reflected on his deep bond with his late wife. “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 succor,” he said.
“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.”
On the transition of the First Lady’s duties, Governor Eno introduced his daughter, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, stating, “It is not an easy task ahead. But 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 expressed his full confidence in his daughter’s ability to preserve the values and vision of her late mother, pledging to sustain the projects initiated through the First Lady’s Office.
In her response, Senator Tinubu acknowledged Pastor Patience Eno’s support for her own national pet project as well as her dedication to her husband’s ARISE governance agenda.
“Politics aside, we are all Nigerians, and one of the things I thank God for is the opportunity to show love and care when we meet people. I want to thank God for Patience’s life, though short, she completed her race. May God comfort you, your family, and your children. I will always be here for you,” she assured the governor.
Turning to Helen, Senator Tinubu offered words of encouragement: “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. 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.”
Governor Eno, addressing rumors of him taking a second wife, made light of the situation during a separate condolence visit from Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
“I’m not considering remarrying anytime soon,” he said, joking that he doesn’t have the money to pay another bride price. He emphasized that the vacancy left by his late wife cannot be filled.
“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.”
