Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria – The Governor of Edo State in southern Nigeria, Monday Okpebholo, has appointed popular Nigerian film actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie as Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy.
The announcement was made on Thursday, February 19, 2026, in a statement issued by the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Musa Ikhilor. Edo State is located in the southern region of Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country.
According to the statement, Governor Okpebholo approved Johnson-Okojie’s appointment as part of his administration’s efforts to improve communication between the state government and residents. The role of Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy is designed to strengthen awareness and understanding of government policies and programmes among citizens.
The official communique stated, “This is to inform the general public that Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the appointment of Mercy Johnson-Okojie as Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy.
“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.
“Through the Mercy Johnson Okojie Foundation, she has championed causes focused on women empowerment, child welfare, education support, and healthcare outreach.”
Nollywood is the informal name for Nigeria’s film industry, which is one of the largest in the world by volume of productions. Johnson-Okojie is widely known across Nigeria and among African film audiences globally.
The Secretary to the State Government added that Johnson-Okojie is expected to use her public profile and grassroots connections to help bridge the gap between the government and the people of Edo State. Her appointment signals the administration’s intention to leverage influential public figures to increase civic participation and policy awareness.
Johnson-Okojie’s husband, Odianosen Okojie, is a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, the lower chamber of the National Assembly of Nigeria. He represents the Esan North East/Esan South East Federal Constituency in Edo State.
Okay News reports that the appointment reflects a growing trend in Nigerian politics where public figures from the entertainment industry are brought into governance roles to enhance public communication and outreach.
With this development, attention will now turn to how Johnson-Okojie shapes her new advisory role and how effectively she connects state policies with communities across Edo State.
