Edo governor appoints Mercy Johnson as SA on public engagement
Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo, has appointed actress Mercy Johnson as special adviser on public engagement and advocacy.
In a statement signed by Musa Ikhilor, the governor’s secretary, Okpebholo revealed Johnson was chosen for the role because of her long standing influence in Nollywood and her commitment to humanitarian and advocacy initiatives through her foundation.
“This is to inform the general public that His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo. Executive Governor of Edo State, has approved the appointment of Mrs. Mercy Johnson- Okojie as Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy,” the statement reads.
“Mrs. Mercy 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.
“…Beyond her achievements in the entertainment industry, Mrs. Johnson-Okojie is widely respected for her humanitarian and adocacy work. Through the Mercy Johnson-Okojie Foundation, she has championed causes focused on women empowerment, child welfare. education support and healthcare outreach.
“She has consistently leveraged her platform to promote social responsibility, civic awareness, and community development.”
The statement also disclosed that her role involves using her wide reach and communication skills to improve interaction between the government and the people.
It added that the appointment reflects the governor’s resolve to involve respected public figures in driving his administration’s agenda for Edo state.
“In her new role as Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy, Mrs. Johnson-Okojie will deploy her vast public influence, communication expertise, and grassroots reach to strengthen citizens’ engagement with government policies and programmes,” the statement added.
“This appointment underscores the Govemor’s commitment to harnessing the expertise, credibility and public goodwill of distinguished Nigerians in advancing the administration’s vision for a prosperous and united Edo State.”
This isn’t Johnson’s first political appointment. In 2017, she was appointed senior special assistant on entertainment, arts and culture by former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello.
The actress is married to Odianosen Okojie, who represents Esan north-east/Esan south-east federal constituency of Edo state in the house of representatives.
The cable
