UYO, Nigeria — Akwa Ibom State’s Governor Umo Eno, has refuted recent media reports suggesting that his eldest daughter, Helen Eno Obareki, has been appointed as the First Lady of the state following the death of his wife, Patience Umo Eno, who passed away on September 26, 2024.
Addressing the media, Governor Eno clarified that while his daughter would oversee the coordination of the Office of the First Lady, this should not be mistaken as an appointment to the role of First Lady.
“First ladies are not appointed,” Governor Eno stated during a public appearance.
“Our daughter, Mrs Helen Obareki, will coordinate the office of the First Lady. She has been with her mother from the beginning, and this is not political—it’s natural.”
The governor’s clarification comes in response to media speculation that circulated following the tragic loss of his wife.
Mrs. Patience Umo Eno had been actively involved in various social welfare projects through her position as First Lady, most notably the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), which supports women, the elderly, and vulnerable members of society.
Governor Eno explained that his decision to have Obareki coordinate the office was driven by a desire to continue his late wife’s legacy.
“This is one of the ways I will find comfort,” he shared, emphasising the importance of sustaining his wife’s initiatives.
He added, “The programmes can only be sustained with Mrs. Obareki as coordinator due to her experience, exposure, education, and access.”
During a separate visit by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Eno humorously dismissed rumours that he intended to take a second wife, citing financial constraints.
He made it clear that his focus was on his family and maintaining the work of the First Lady’s office, not remarrying.
The decision to have Mrs. Obareki coordinate the office has received the endorsement of Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, who visited the governor to offer her condolences.
Governor Eno noted that Mrs Obareki had previously served as a Special Assistant to her mother and was, therefore, well-suited to continue the office’s operations.
In response to the appointment rumours, Mrs Tinubu remarked, “You don’t appoint a First Lady. The mother introduced her to me. So appointing her as the coordinator is not an appointment of a First Lady.”
President Bola Tinubu had earlier expressed his condolences to Governor Eno, describing the passing of Mrs Patience Umo Eno as “shocking.”
Mrs Eno’s death has left a deep void in the hearts of many in Akwa Ibom State, particularly those who benefitted from her philanthropic efforts.
As the state continues to mourn its late First Lady, the continuation of her social welfare projects under the leadership of her daughter ensures that her legacy of compassion and care for the vulnerable will live on.
