By Abiola Olawale
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has announced the appointment of his daughter, Helen Eno-Obareki, as the Acting First Lady of the state following the passage of his wife, Pastor Patience Eno.
The governor made this announcement during a condolence visit by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other dignitaries in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
Eno revealed that his daughter would take on 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.
He said: “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 also conveyed his unwavering confidence in his daughter’s capability to uphold the principles and vision of her deceased mother, reiterating his dedication to advancing the initiatives established through the First Lady’s office.
In an emotional tribute, the governor portrayed his late spouse as his “most ardent supporter and most discerning critic,” reflecting on their enduring bond.
The New Diplomat reports that the passage of Eno’s wife was announced in a press statement issued by Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong.
According to the statement, the First Lady was said to have passed away at a hospital on September 26, 2024, surrounded by family members.
The late Patience Umo Eno was affectionately referred to as Eka Iberedem Akwa Ibom, which means “Mother and Strong Pillar of Akwa Ibom.”
She founded the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), a foundation focused on providing shelter, food, and education to the poor and vulnerable in Akwa Ibom.
Patience, during her time, also dedicated herself to the educational advancement of underprivileged children, sponsoring their tuition fees, providing school supplies, and ensuring they had the opportunity to succeed academically.
She initiated several vocational and financial empowerment programmes aimed at helping women in her community gain skills and financial independence.
In addition, the late wife of the governor played an active role in organizing medical outreach programmes, offering free check-ups, vaccinations, and health education to underserved communities, particularly focusing on children and the elderly.
As a dutiful wife of Akwa IGovernor Umo Eno, they both lived happily and together, they had six children and nine grandchildren, all of whom were involved in her philanthropic activities.
