From the big screen to the State House! 🎭🏛️ Mercy Johnson Okojie officially joins Governor Monday Okpebholo's team as Special Adviser on Public Engagement. Will her star power transform Edo's civic space? Read the full story! #MercyJohnson #EdoState

https://validupdates.com/2026/02/mercy-johnson-okojie-joins-edo-government-actress-lands-special-adviser-role/

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

ValidUpdates

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.

Image Credit: ValidUpdates / Composite via Instagram and Official State Portraits.

​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.

Share to friends        #EdoState #MercyJohnsonOkojie #MondayOkpebholo #NigerianPolitics #Nollywood

#EdoState Governor Monday #MondayOkpebholo, the Governor of Edo State, has appointed #MercyJohnsonOkojie as his Special Adviser on #PublicEngagement and #Advocacy.

#Bahdlexempire #Bahdlexblog #BahdLex #Mercyjohnson

OsazuwaAkonedo Podcast Video ~ ANEEJ, LAPO To Partner UBTH, Others For Indigent Healthcare Patients In Edo ~ OsazuwaAkonedo

ANEEJ, LAPO To Partner UBTH, Others For Indigent Healthcare Patients In Edo ~ OsazuwaAkonedo #ANEEJ #CommunityEngagement #David #DrGodwinEhigiamusoe #EdoState #Ehigiamusoe #Godwin #HealthcareInitiatives #LAPO #UBTH #Ugolor Africa Network For Environment And Economic Justice, ANEEJ And Lift Above Poverty Organisation, LAPO Have Expressed Plans To…

https://osazuwaakonedo.news/?p=115223

The Edo Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited say they will collaborate to establish a 10,000 barrels-per-day condensate refinery in the state.

https://dmarketforces.com/edo-govt-nnpc-partner-to-establish-10000-bpd-condensate-refinery/

#EdoState #NNPC #Refinery

Edo Govt., NNPC Partner To Establish 10,000-bpd Condensate Refinery

The Edo Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited say they will collaborate to establish a 10,000 barrels-per-d

MarketForces Africa

Harrison Gwamnishu secures bail in Edo high court

Key points

  • A High Court in Edo State granted bail to Harrison Gwamnishu. The case follows public claims about a ₦5.4 million missing share.
  • The alleged kidnapping began on November 22, 2025 near Aviele. The family says the couple raised N20 million for the ransom.
  • Supporters and critics split online over Gwamnishu’s tactics and motives. Ossai Ovie Success celebrated the bail on social platforms today.

A High Court in Edo State granted bail to Harrison Gwamnishu. The ruling lets the activist leave custody while his case continues. The judge set conditions that Harrison must meet before his full release.

Image Credit: Instagram (@harrison_gwamnishu) / Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation.

The case stems from a kidnapping that began on November 22, 2025. The family raised funds and claimed the total reached N20 million. ValidUpdates earlier reported that the activist faces police probe over ransom.

What led to the case

Family members said they paid a ransom to free a kidnapped couple. The family said one partner was released while the other stayed captive. Online posts then focused on gaps in the cash handover and receipts.

Harrison’s team says some notes used for the handover had tracking chips. His lawyer explained that real cash stayed aside during the risky delivery. The lawyer said the chips would help trace the kidnappers and their path.

Police later said they held cash that came from the handover. Family members and online critics still pressed for clear answers about funds. The dispute sparked sharp posts and heated debates on social media.

Court and next steps

Bail does not end the probe or the wider legal review. The court allowed release with conditions while police continue their enquiries. ValidUpdates published a detailed piece on the ransom chip plan sparks fresh questions.

Gwamnishu now faces possible charges if officials file formal counts. His lawyer says they will fight any charge in court. Observers say the case raises questions about private rescue efforts and safety.

Families of other victims worry that private actions may harm rescue chances. Elders and some activists call for clearer rules before citizens act. The debate now mixes law, ethics, and social influence on rescue roles.

Public reaction and social split

Social media reacted quickly with strong posts from many voices. VeryDarkMan publicly criticised Gwamnishu and later admitted reporting to police. Ossai Ovie Success shared a post celebrating the bail decision online.

Fans of the activist say the chip idea was a bold rescue move. Critics argue that without clear receipts the story looks suspicious and worse. The split shows how online clout now shapes legal and social pressure.

Rights groups urge calm and insist on due process for everyone involved. Police must pursue facts and share clear information with the public. Journalists and elders ask for care in posts to avoid harm to victims.

Legal experts say bail is temporary and the court will decide next steps. The trial or further hearings will test competing accounts and evidence. For now the activist can speak to his fans while the law runs.

The family of the Segirus may still seek answers through legal steps. Court records and police statements will carry weight in any future charge. ValidUpdates will follow the court process and report new developments.

The bail decision marks a key moment in a tense public dispute. November 22, 2025 remains the date that anchors public scrutiny of the case. Court and police records will help reveal the full story with facts.

Share to friends        #Bail #EdoState #HarrisonGwamnishu #kidnapping #OssaiOvieSuccess #ransom #ValidUpdates #Verydarkman

VeryDarkMan says he phoned Edo police before Harrison Gwamnishu’s arrest and now hints at more proof on the ransom case. Read how he explains his role and what he plans to do next below. #ValidUpdates #VeryDarkMan #HarrisonGwamnishu #EdoState #RansomProbe

https://validupdates.com/2025/12/verydarkman-admits-reporting-harrison-gwamnishu-to-edo-police/

VeryDarkMan admits reporting Harrison Gwamnishu to Edo police

VeryDarkMan reports Harrison to Edo police over a fresh ransom probe and vows to drop more proof if the activist leaves custody without a full, honest account.

ValidUpdates

Did Harrison Gwamnishu steal ransom cash or follow a risky plan with a tracking chip? Read our full breakdown of the lawyer’s account below. #ValidUpdates #HarrisonGwamnishu #EdoState #NigeriaNews #KidnapRansom #PoliceInvestigation

https://validupdates.com/2025/12/harrison-gwamnishu-ransom-chip-plan-sparks-fresh-questions/

Harrison Gwamnishu ransom chip plan sparks fresh questions

Harrison Gwamnishu ransom money story gets a fresh twist as his lawyer explains the chip plan, police role and tense bush handover details.

ValidUpdates

Obaseki vows to fight back after alleged attack by Okpebholo. Officials and groups have reacted. Read details below #ValidUpdates #Obaseki #Okpebholo #EdoState #Politics #Security

https://validupdates.com/2025/12/obaseki-vows-to-fight-back-after-okpebholo-attack-claim/

Obaseki vows to fight back after Okpebholo attack claim

Obaseki vows to fight back after alleged attack by Okpebholo, and the piece tracks reactions and legal steps.

ValidUpdates

#OsasIghodaro
🌹 Homecoming tings 🌹
Off to the #EdoState Premiere
of 3 Cold Dishes!!! Pinch me 🥹🙏🏾

#actor #execproducer #film #nollywood #edostate #benincity #homecoming #blessed #GodisGood 🌹🌹🌹 #bahdlex
#OsasIghodaro