Embracing the Legacy: Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki Motivates Staff to Keep the Flame Alive

In a heartfelt and emotionally charged meeting, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, newly appointed Senior Special Assistant to the Governor and Coordinator of the Office of the Wife of the Governor, brought together the staff of the office to offer comfort and a renewed sense of purpose. With the sudden passing of her mother, Her Excellency, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, still weighing heavily on the hearts of many, Mrs. Obareki sought to restore hope and motivate the team to continue working towards the goals her mother held so dear.

Addressing the staff, Mrs. Obareki acknowledged the profound shock of losing the beloved First Lady, a woman whose passion and unwavering support for Governor Umo Eno endeared her to the people of Akwa Ibom. Her mother’s legacy, built upon compassion, service, and a vision for the well-being of the state, is one that Mrs. Obareki is determined to carry forward.

“It is with mixed emotions that I stand before you today,” she began. “I take on this role not only as a duty but as a tribute to my mother and role model, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, who devoted her life to serving this state and supporting her ‘Golden Boy,’ as she so fondly referred to my father. Her spirit of loyalty, love, and unyielding dedication will guide us as we continue the work she started.”

Mrs. Obareki’s appointment as the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady comes at a pivotal moment, as Akwa Ibom moves forward under the transformative leadership of Governor Umo Eno. With the ARISE Agenda at the forefront of the Governor’s vision for a greater future, Mrs. Obareki emphasized that her role is to ensure that the programs initiated by her late mother remain a vital part of that vision. She reassured the team that the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), which focuses on the welfare of the vulnerable, along with the ARISE Initiative for the Elderly, would not only continue but expand under her stewardship.

“My assignment is clear,” she declared. “I am here to support the Governor’s vision for a brighter, more prosperous Akwa Ibom. Our work is crucial to realizing his dreams for the people of this state, and I am counting on your dedication and creativity to help us achieve this. I urge you all to stay honest, diligent, and committed to your responsibilities. Together, we can make a lasting impact.”

In a display of compassion and solidarity, Mrs. Obareki invited the staff to share their thoughts and ideas on how the office could continue to thrive in the wake of such a great loss. She encouraged an atmosphere of open communication, asking each staff member to contribute their unique perspectives to enhance the office’s impact.

“The door is always open for new ideas,” she assured them. “Your contributions are not just welcome; they are necessary as we strive to uphold the values my mother embodied and the vision my father champions.”

The meeting also featured a moment of collective reflection, as prayers were offered for Mrs. Obareki, her family, and the entire staff, asking for strength and guidance in this new chapter of leadership.

Later in the day, Mrs. Obareki joined her father, Governor Umo Eno, and her siblings to welcome the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) delegation, led by Chairman and Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, who came to offer their condolences at the Hilltop Mansion. The visit from the NGF, coming so soon after the swearing-in of the Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 31 Local Government Councils, was yet another reminder of the deep bonds of support that extend beyond politics and across Nigeria.

In her closing remarks, Mrs. Obareki affirmed her commitment to ensuring that the initiatives, both local and national, including the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) championed by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, would continue to flourish, serving families and communities across Akwa Ibom.

With passion and purpose, Mrs. Helen Obareki steps into this role not only as a daughter honoring her mother’s memory but as a leader determined to continue her family’s legacy of service to the people of Akwa Ibom. Through her leadership, the values of compassion, resilience, and dedication to the greater good will remain the cornerstone of the office’s work, ensuring that the vision for a better Akwa Ibom lives on.