Edo governor Okpebholo appoints Mercy Johnson as adviser on public engagement

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has appointed Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie as adviser on public engagement. The announcement was made on Friday in Benin City, with the administration noting that the appointment is aimed at enhancing government interaction with citizens across the state.

In a statement released by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, Governor Okpebholo described Johnson-Okojie as a respected public figure whose influence spans social, cultural, and generational lines. Her new role will focus on improving public communication, promoting civic participation, and amplifying government policies at the grassroots level.

Johnson-Okojie brings prior public service experience to the position, having previously served as Senior Special Assistant on Entertainment, Arts and Culture to former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. Her tenure in that role, coupled with her extensive humanitarian work through the Mercy Johnson-Okojie Foundation—which supports initiatives in women empowerment, child protection, education, and healthcare—was cited as a key factor in her latest appointment.

The Edo State Government emphasised that the appointment reflects Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to leveraging the credibility and goodwill of prominent Nigerians in advancing his vision for a more inclusive and united Edo State. Officials expressed confidence that Johnson-Okojie’s public engagement expertise will help bridge the gap between government and citizens.