Nollywood superstar Mercy Johnson-Okojie has officially crossed over from the silver screen to the corridors of power. Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has appointed the acclaimed actress as Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy, a move that has ignited widespread reactions across social media and political circles .
The appointment was formally announced on Thursday in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, who said the governor approved the role to strengthen public connection with government policies and programmes across the state .
Johnson-Okojie is an accomplished Nigerian actress, producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. She is one of Nollywood’s most celebrated figures, with a career spanning nearly two decades and featuring in over 200 films,” the statement read .
Beyond her entertainment credentials, the government highlighted her extensive humanitarian work through the Mercy Johnson Okojie Foundation, which has championed causes focused on women empowerment, child welfare, education support, and healthcare outreach .
A Call to ServeOn Friday, Johnson-Okojie publicly accepted the appointment via her Instagram page, expressing gratitude and outlining her vision for the role .”I am deeply honoured and sincerely grateful to His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Executive Governor of Edo State, for the trust and confidence reposed in me with my appointment as Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy.
she wrote .Describing the appointment as more than a title, the actress emphasized its deeper purpose: “This appointment is not just a call to serve, it is a call to connect, to listen, and to advocate with purpose.
She pledged to align her efforts with the governor’s SHINE Agenda, which focuses on responsive and practical governance alongside sustainable development .
Addressing Edo residents directly, Johnson-Okojie made clear where her priorities lie: “To the great people of Edo State: this role is about you, your voices, your stories, and your participation in governance. Together, we will deepen civic engagement, strengthen trust, and advance a people-centered Edo where every voice truly counts.
She concluded with a note of readiness: “Thank you for the overwhelming support and goodwill. The journey continues. The work begins now” .Industry and Public ReactionsThe appointment has drawn praise from within the entertainment industry.
The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu, commended Governor Okpebholo for recognizing Nollywood’s growing influence in governance and national development .
Speaking at the Guild’s national headquarters in Abuja, Yakubu noted that Edo State had hosted the AGN National Conference in December, which attracted delegates from more than 30 states.
“To appoint one of our distinguished members as Special Adviser just months later is a source of pride to the Guild and the entire creative ecosystem,” he said .He added that Johnson-Okojie’s public appeal, communication skills, and grassroots connection position her strongly for the role .
Online reactions have been mixed but largely positive, with many Nigerians celebrating the actress’s elevation. Some commentators expressed hope that her popularity could help the government connect more effectively with youths and women . Others noted that her experience in public engagement through years of connecting with millions of fans uniquely qualifies her for the position.
A History of Public ServiceThis is not Johnson-Okojie’s first foray into governance. She previously served as Senior Special Assistant on Entertainment, Arts and Culture to former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello . That experience, combined with her philanthropic track record, was cited as a factor in her latest appointment .
Interestingly, politics runs in the family. Johnson-Okojie is married to Hon. Odianosen Okojie, who represents Esan North East and Esan South East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
What the Role EntailsAs Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy, Johnson-Okojie is expected to leverage her public profile, communication expertise, and grassroots reach to improve communication between the government and Edo residents .
The office will focus primarily on creating public awareness about government activities, engaging in public advocacy, and promoting citizens’ involvement in the formulation and implementation of government policies .
The Edo State Government expressed confidence that the renowned thespian would bring her wealth of experience in the entertainment industry to bear on the administration’s resolve to deliver on the people’s mandate.
This appointment reflects a growing trend across Nigeria, where state governments increasingly tap into the credibility and public goodwill of entertainers to bridge the gap between governance and citizens.
Whether Mercy Johnson-Okojie’s star power translates into effective public administration remains to be seen, but if her acceptance speech is any indication, she is approaching the role with the same dedication that has defined her two-decade career in Nollywood.