Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has appointed Nollywood actress and philanthropist, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, as Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy, in a move aimed at strengthening communication between the government and residents.
The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Musa Ikhilor.
According to the statement, the governor approved the appointment as part of efforts to deepen citizen participation in governance and improve public awareness of state policies and programmes.
“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,” the statement said.
Ikhilor described Johnson-Okojie as a highly accomplished Nigerian actress, producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist with a distinguished career in the entertainment industry.
“She is one of Nollywood’s most celebrated figures, with a career spanning nearly two decades and featuring in over 200 films,” the SSG said.
The statement also highlighted her humanitarian work through the Mercy Johnson-Okojie Foundation, noting that she has championed initiatives focused on women empowerment, child welfare, education support, and healthcare outreach.
“With this appointment, the governor expects her to leverage her public influence, grassroots reach, and advocacy experience to enhance communication between the government and citizens,” Ikhilor added.
He noted that the Okpebholo administration remains committed to inclusive governance and public engagement, adding that the appointment aligns with the governor’s broader strategy to bridge the gap between government and the people.
Johnson-Okojie’s appointment marks the latest addition to the governor’s team, underscoring the administration’s drive to integrate public figures and advocates into governance structures to strengthen public trust and participation.
