Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has appointed three prominent Nollywood actresses to senior advisory positions within the state government. According to Punch, Destiny Etiko, Eucharia Anunobi, and Rachael Okonkwo have been assigned portfolios covering youth engagement, women’s mobilization, and creative industry development. The appointments mark a distinct shift for the actresses, who are moving from screen roles to public service responsibilities.
Destiny Etiko was named Senior Special Assistant on Youth Engagement and Creative Economy. She announced the appointment in November, expressing gratitude to the governor for the opportunity. Etiko stated that she embraces the responsibility with humility and a determination to make a meaningful impact on the administration's goals. Her role focuses on leveraging the creative economy to engage the state's youth population.
Veteran actress Eucharia Anunobi was appointed Special Assistant on Women Mobilisation for the Enugu North Senatorial Zone. She revealed the appointment on social media, thanking the governor and acknowledging the role as an official honour. Anunobi described the position as a platform to mobilize women in her senatorial zone, citing divine support for her new public service journey. Her appointment targets specific demographic engagement within the northern region of the state.
Rachael Okonkwo, widely known as Nkoli Nwa Nsukka, was appointed Senior Special Assistant on Films and Creative Industry Development. Although the appointment was made in September, she officially announced it in November. Okonkwo described the role as a call to impact rather than just a title, emphasizing her commitment to the growth of the creative sector. She thanked Governor Mbah for the confidence reposed in her, stating that the position is beyond a title; it is a call to impact. Her portfolio aims to foster development within the film and creative industries of Enugu State.
The appointments highlight the growing intersection between the Nollywood film industry and Nigerian politics. The governor’s decision to select these actresses suggests a strategy to utilize their public influence and industry experience for state development. The three women represent different generations of the Nigerian film industry, bringing diverse perspectives to their respective government roles. Their transition from entertainment to governance is expected to bring new dynamics to the Enugu State administration.