Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has dismissed media reports claiming his first daughter, Mrs. Helen Obareki, has been appointed as the First Lady of the state following the death of his wife, Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, on September 26, 2024.
Governor Eno clarified during a service at All Nations Christian Ministry Intl, Eket, that his daughter will coordinate the Office of the First Lady, as she had been her late mother’s closest assistant. He emphasized that First Ladies are not appointed, but come with the governor. He added that having Mrs. Obareki oversee the office will ensure the continuation of her late mother’s programmes, including the “Golden Initiative For All” (GIFA), which supports women, the elderly, and the less privileged.
Eno explained that this decision was driven by a desire to bring healing to his family and to maintain the office’s important work. He expressed his gratitude to the Wife of the President, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, for her visit and support, and reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining the initiatives started by his late wife.
