Nollywood star Mercy Johnson-Okojie has formally accepted her appointment as Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy to Monday Okpebholo, promising to prioritise citizen participation and strengthen communication between the government and the people of Edo State.
Gatekeepers News reports that Johnson Okojie confirmed her acceptance on Friday in a statement shared via Instagram, a day after the Edo State Government officially announced her appointment.
“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.
Describing the role as more than a ceremonial title, the actress said, “This appointment is not just a call to serve, it is a call to connect, to listen, and to advocate with purpose.”
She pledged to discharge her duties with humility and dedication, aligning her efforts with the governor’s development blueprint.
“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 stated.
Addressing residents directly, Johnson-Okojie emphasised that her focus would be on deepening civic engagement and ensuring citizens’ voices are heard.
“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-centred Edo where every voice truly counts.”
She concluded by thanking supporters and signalling readiness to begin work: “Thank you for the overwhelming support and goodwill. The journey continues. The work begins now.”
Johnson-Okojie signed the statement as Special Adviser on Public Engagement & Advocacy, Edo State.
Her appointment was announced on Thursday by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, who said the governor approved it to enhance public engagement with government policies and programmes.
The government’s statement read in part: “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.
“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.
“Through the Mercy Johnson Okojie Foundation, she has championed causes focused on women empowerment, child welfare, education support, and healthcare outreach.”
