Governor Eno clarifies daughter’s role as Coordinator of First Lady’s Office

The Akwa Ibom State Government has clarified the recent appointment of Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, following a wave of misreporting by some sections of the media.

Contrary to certain claims, Mrs. Obareki has been appointed as the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, not as the “New First Lady” as erroneously reported. This clarification was issued by Ekerete Udoh, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, in a statement addressing the misrepresentation.

The issue arose after Governor Umo Eno introduced Mrs. Obareki, his daughter, to the First Lady of Nigeria, Distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, during her condolence visit to the Governor on Friday, October 6, 2024.

In his presentation, Governor Eno stated that Mrs. Obareki’s new role would be to coordinate the activities of the Office of the First Lady, ensuring the continuity and expansion of the late First Lady’s pet project, the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), as well as other programs.

READ ALSO: Eno appoints daughter as acting First Lady of Akwa Ibom state

Governor Eno made it clear that his daughter, who had worked closely with her late mother in the Office of the First Lady, would take on this coordinating role.

Her official title is Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, and her primary responsibility will be to oversee and sustain the initiatives that her late mother championed.

The Governor’s office expressed amusement at reports suggesting that Mrs. Obareki had been appointed as the “New First Lady,” calling these claims baseless and inaccurate.

“For the avoidance of doubt, First Ladies are not appointed, and there has never been such a precedent before,” the statement emphasized. The Governor’s office reiterated that there was no attempt to replace the late First Lady with a new one, and such a position is ceremonial, not a formal appointment.

While acknowledging the support of the press in the aftermath of the tragic loss of the Governor’s wife, the statement urged media outlets to exercise caution and respect the privacy of the family during this period of mourning.

READ ALSO: Obaseki mourns passing of Akwa Ibom First Lady, praises her humanitarian legacy

In his State-Wide Broadcast, Governor Eno had expressed gratitude for the outpouring of condolences but also called for sensitive and accurate reporting as the family continues to grieve.

Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, the newly appointed Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, is well-qualified for the role. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies from the University of Oklahoma (2011) and a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Human Resources Management from Oklahoma Christian University (2012).

Her academic background and prior experience working with the late First Lady make her well-suited to oversee the Office’s activities and ensure that her mother’s legacy is upheld.

The Governor’s office hopes that this clarification will set the record straight and prevent further misinterpretation of Mrs. Obareki’s appointment.