The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has praised Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State for appointing his daughter, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, as the new First Lady, following the death of his wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno.
The decision, which has drawn widespread attention, was lauded by Senator Tinubu as a thoughtful way to preserve the legacy of the late First Lady, particularly her work through the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA).
During a condolence visit to the Eno family in Uyo on Friday, Senator Tinubu expressed her support for the appointment, comparing it to similar practices in the United States, where continuity in such roles is often maintained within the family. She emphasized that the move ensures the continuation of the projects Pastor Patience Eno had championed.
Accompanying Senator Tinubu on the visit were Hajia Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President, along with the wives of state governors and leaders of the National Assembly.
Reflecting on his late wife, Governor Umo Eno spoke emotionally about 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, a source of comfort and succour. We faced many challenges together, and her passing is an irreplaceable loss for me,” he said, describing her as the embodiment of a virtuous woman and his greatest supporter.
In introducing his daughter to the public as the new First Lady, Governor Eno acknowledged the difficulty of the transition but expressed confidence in her ability to carry on her mother’s legacy. “To maintain the Office of the First Lady and continue my late wife’s work, I present our daughter, Helen. She will work closely with the deputy governor and the commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Social Welfare to ensure the continuity of these vital programs,” he said.
In her remarks, Senator Tinubu paid tribute to Pastor Patience Eno’s dedication to her husband’s ARISE governance agenda and her support for national causes. “Politics aside, we are all Nigerians. I want to thank God for Patience’s life. Though short, she completed her race. May God comfort you and your family. I will always be here for you,” she assured the governor.
Turning to Helen, Senator Tinubu offered words of encouragement and support, affirming her belief in Helen’s ability to continue her mother’s legacy. “Helen, your mom didn’t bring you to me for nothing. It’s a blessing that her colleagues and the Vice President’s wife are here to support you. I believe God will guide you, and you will accomplish even more than your mother did.”
Governor Eno also addressed rumours circulating about the possibility of him remarrying. Speaking during a separate condolence visit from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, he lightheartedly dismissed the idea, joking that he didn’t have the resources to pay another bride price. He stressed that the void left by his wife could not be filled, but her legacy would live on through their daughter, Helen, and the ongoing projects she would now oversee as First Lady.
This decision to keep the Office of the First Lady within the family has been well-received, ensuring that the initiatives and values of the late Pastor Patience Eno will continue to benefit the people of Akwa Ibom State.
