Governor Umo Eno has addressed his decision to appoint his first daughter, Mrs. Helen Obareki, as the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, following the unexpected death of his wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, on September 26, 2024.
Speaking during a combined national worship service at All Nations Christian Ministry International on Sunday, Governor Eno explained the move, emphasizing that the responsibilities of the office must continue.
He stated, “First Ladies are not appointed; they come with the governor. Our daughter has been with her mother from the start.”
Governor Eno further reassured the congregation that the initiatives started by his late wife, such as the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA) and the ARISE Initiative for the Elderly, would be sustained.
Mrs. Obareki has been named Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the governor and coordinator of the First Lady’s office.
“Let the office keep running,” the governor remarked.
He assured the people of the state that “as long as I am Governor, these programmes will not die, and I’ll be comforted.”