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.”
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