The Akwa Ibom State Government has addressed recent misreports concerning the appointment of Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, daughter of Governor Umo Eno, as the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady. Contrary to some media claims, Mrs. Obareki has not been appointed as the “New First Lady” of the state.
In a statement released by Ekerete Udoh, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the government clarified that Mrs. Obareki’s new role, announced during a condolence visit by Nigeria’s First Lady, Distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is to coordinate the activities of the Office of the First Lady. This appointment is aimed at continuing the work of the late First Lady, particularly her pet project, the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA).
Governor Umo Eno had specifically introduced his daughter as the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, not as the First Lady, during the First Lady’s visit last Friday. The government emphasized that First Ladies are not appointed and there has never been any precedent for such a claim.
The statement also provided background on Mrs. Obareki’s qualifications, noting that she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies from the University of Oklahoma and a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Human Resources Management from Oklahoma Christian University.
The government urged the media to exercise caution in their reporting, especially during this time of bereavement for the family following the loss of the Governor’s wife.
Signed:
Ekerete Udoh
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
October 6, 2024
