Akwa Ibom Governor appoints his daughter as Acting First Lady after wife’s death

Akwa Ibom Governor appoints his daughter as Acting First Lady after wife’s death

5th October 2024

By Chukwu Ziteihe Ikeokwu

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has appointed his daughter, Mrs. Helen Obareki, as the Acting First Lady of the state following the death of his wife, Pastor Patience.

The announcement was made during a condolence visit by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other dignitaries in Uyo on Friday.

Governor Eno, in an emotional tribute, described his late wife as his “greatest supporter and toughest critic,” recalling their lifelong bond.

“I married her when she was 19, and I was 22. I called her Oluwa-Kemi because she was truly a gift from God. We went through many challenges together, and her passing is an irreplaceable loss for me,” he said.

The governor introduced his daughter, Mrs. Obareki, to 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 (GIFA).

“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,” Governor Eno stated