Edo Governor Appoints Mercy Johnson-Okojie as Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy

Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has appointed Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie as Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy, marking a notable crossover between Nigeria’s entertainment industry and public administration.

The appointment was confirmed by officials within the Edo State Government, who stated that the role is intended to strengthen communication between the administration and residents, particularly in areas relating to civic awareness, community participation and policy outreach. Mercy Johnson-Okojie, a widely recognized figure in Nigeria’s film industry, is expected to leverage her public profile and grassroots connections to enhance engagement strategies across the state.

Governor Okpebholo, who assumed office following the 2024 Edo State governorship election, has indicated in recent policy statements that his administration intends to prioritize inclusive governance and broaden citizen participation in decision-making processes. The creation and filling of the Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy position aligns with that stated objective.

Mercy Johnson-Okojie, known for her extensive career in Nollywood spanning over a decade and numerous film credits, has previously been involved in political mobilization efforts within Edo State. She is married to Prince Odianosen Okojie, a politician who has represented Esan North-East/Esan South-East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Her proximity to grassroots political networks has been cited by observers as a factor that may aid her transition into a formal advisory role.

According to sources familiar with the development, her responsibilities will include coordinating public enlightenment campaigns, supporting government-citizen dialogue initiatives, promoting state policies and facilitating advocacy programs aimed at strengthening trust in public institutions. The office is also expected to serve as a bridge between the governor’s office and various demographic groups, including youth and women’s organizations.

Reactions to the appointment have been mixed. Supporters argue that her visibility and communication skills could help the administration connect more effectively with the public, especially in a digital era where social media and public perception play critical roles in governance. Critics, however, have raised questions about the professional qualifications required for such a role and whether celebrity status alone should influence advisory appointments.

Political analysts note that the integration of public figures from the entertainment sector into government roles is not unprecedented in Nigeria. Similar appointments in other states have sought to harness the influence of popular personalities to shape public narratives and encourage civic participation. The effectiveness of such appointments often depends on clearly defined mandates, measurable performance benchmarks and the individual’s ability to transition from private-sector prominence to structured public service responsibilities.

As of the time of this report, the Edo State Government has not released detailed terms of reference or performance indicators for the new advisory position. It remains to be seen how the office will be structured within the broader executive framework and how it will coordinate with existing ministries and agencies responsible for information, orientation and civic engagement.

Mercy Johnson-Okojie has not publicly outlined her immediate agenda, but close associates suggest she intends to focus on inclusive communication strategies and advocacy initiatives that amplify community voices. Her appointment adds a new dimension to Governor Okpebholo’s administrative team and signals an effort to blend public visibility with governance outreach.

The coming months will likely determine how the role evolves and whether it delivers tangible outcomes in public engagement across Edo State.

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