After his wife, Pastor Patience Eno, passed away, Umo Eno, the governor of Akwa Ibom State, named his daughter, Helen Eno-Obareki, the acting first lady of the state.

The declaration was made by the governor on Friday while Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the first lady of Nigeria, and other dignitaries were in Uyo to offer condolences.

Eno announced that his daughter will assume the First Lady’s responsibilities, guaranteeing the continuation of the position and the initiatives his late wife started, especially the Golden Initiative For All.

I give our daughter Helen the responsibility of carrying on the responsibilities of the position in order to preserve the First Ladyship and honour the work of my late wife. The commissioner for women’s affairs and social welfare as well as the deputy governor would collaborate closely with her, the governor stated.

He reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the work started by the First Lady’s office and stated his faith in his daughter’s capacity to carry on her late mother’s beliefs and vision.

The governor remembered his late wife’s lifetime friendship and called her his “greatest supporter and toughest critic” in an emotional homage.

He stressed that his late wife’s absence cannot be replaced and that his major goal is to continue her legacy through the First Lady’s office’s efforts.

Eno promised the people of Akwa Ibom that his late wife’s projects would carry on, with his daughter taking the lead in upholding her mother’s legacy.

“She was 19 when we were married, and I was 22. Oluwa-Kemi was my nickname for her as she was a true gift from God. Her death is an irreplaceable loss for me because we faced many obstacles together,” he remarked.

During the visit, Mrs. Tinubu complimented the governor’s choice, expressed faith in Obareki’s potential, and described it as a considerate method to uphold the late Eno’s legacy.

“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,” Mrs Tinubu remarked, encouraging the new First Lady. I am confident that God will lead you since I know you well. He will give you wonderful health and you will accomplish even more than your mother did.

In response to speculations that he had taken a second wife, the governor playedfully denied the notion when Senate President Godswill Akpabio paid him a separate visit.

“I’m not considering remarrying anytime soon,” he declared. I lack the funds to cover another bride price.