Mercy Johnson Okojie joins Edo government: Actress lands Special Adviser role

On February 19, 2026, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State appointed Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson Okojie as his Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy. The actress officially accepted the role, pledging to strengthen civic engagement and support the governor’s SHINE agenda for sustainable development across the state.

​Governor Monday Okpebholo approved the appointment of Mrs. Mercy Johnson Okojie to lead public engagement efforts. The state government announced the move through a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq.

​The announcement sparked excitement across the state as fans and residents reacted to the news. This strategic move aims to leverage the actress’s massive public influence and grassroots reach to bridge the gap between the government and the people.

​A call to serve and connect

​The “Executive Governor of Edo State” expressed confidence in the actress’s ability to communicate government policies effectively. Mercy Johnson Okojie later shared her gratitude and vision for the new office on social media.

​”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.

​The actress emphasized that her new position is not merely a title but a responsibility to the citizens. She promised to listen to the stories of the people and ensure their voices count in the halls of power.

​”This appointment is not just a call to serve, it is a call to connect, to listen, and to advocate with purpose.” the star noted.

​Strengthening ties with the people

​The state government highlighted her extensive career and humanitarian work as key reasons for the appointment. Mrs. Johnson Okojie has spent nearly two decades in the film industry and runs a foundation focused on women and children.

​”I accept this responsibility with humility, dedication, and an unshakable commitment to service and i fully aligned with His Excellency’s SHINE Agenda of responsive/ Practical governance and sustainable development.” she declared.

​The Governor believes her credibility will help advance his administration’s vision for a prosperous Edo State. This appointment follows a trend of entertainment figures joining the state’s leadership, similar to when a reality star Anto joined the tourism board recently.

​”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 wrote.

​The actress concluded her message by thanking her supporters for their goodwill. She signaled that her official duties would begin immediately to help the administration achieve its goals.

​”Thank you for the overwhelming support and goodwill. The journey continues. The work begins now.” she noted.

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The Nigerian film industry was thrown into unexpected controversy during the week after news surfaced that actor, filmmaker…
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Gov Alex Otti activates plan to secure Nnamdi Kanu’s release

Key Points

• Otti says he activated a plan to free Kanu. He says talks with federal officials are ongoing now.

• He visited Kanu in DSS custody earlier this year. Otti urges calm and warns against political provocation.

• He blamed earlier poor handling for current tensions. Otti pledges diplomacy and dialogue to restore peace.

Abia State governor Alex Otti responded to Nnamdi Kanu’s life sentence Friday. He said he has activated a strategy begun during Kanu’s trial.

He told the public he will pursue agreed steps until release. Related coverage shows mounting pressure from voices like Cubana Chief Priest warns Tinubu.

Otti said federal assurances give hope for a negotiated release in future. He suggested alternative agreements from the trial will now proceed after judgment. He urged patience and warned against inflammatory language that fuels unrest.

Otti criticised the initial handling of IPOB grievances and called it avoidable. He said early mistakes widened anger and made later fixes harder. The governor appealed to Abia residents to show restraint and calm voices.

He warned politicians not to exploit the case for petty gains. Otti offered to work with well meaning Nigerians and regional leaders. He emphasised dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred path to peace.

Otti repeated his pledge amid nationwide reactions to the sentence. Some voices call for protests and marches like Sowore announces Abuja march. He asked leaders to channel energy towards talks instead of street action.

How Otti plans to pursue release

Otti declined to share full details of the strategy with reporters. He said some steps were started while Kanu’s trial was ongoing. Those steps include talks, legal checks and private meetings with leaders.

He confirmed ongoing talks with federal agents and ministry people. He said federal assurances made the plan more realistic and hopeful. He asked federal teams to keep commitments that speed a legal exit.

Local leaders in the South East voiced mixed reactions to Otti’s statement. Some welcomed his quiet diplomacy while others demanded faster legal action now. Groups urged restraint and asked for simple steps to peace.

Analysts warn political fallout could affect votes in future elections. They say leaders must avoid stoking anger with harsh words or threats. Otti insisted his aim is peace and not partisan gain for anyone.

The sentence against Kanu comes after a lengthy court process this year. Kanu retains the right to appeal and pursue legal remedies in court. Otti said he will keep pushing the agreed plan until freedom is achieved.

For now Otti urged calm and promised continued quiet work behind scenes. He said peace and talks remain the best path to lasting stability.

Human rights groups urged full clarity on the trial and sentencing process. They called for access to court records and fair review steps now. Otti endorsed those calls and invited civic groups into dialogue sessions.

The federal government has given no public timetable for any release. A presidency statement said legal processes and court orders must determine outcomes. Otti said he will work within those limits while pressing quietly for progress.

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