Etiko, Anunobi, Okonkwo take political roles

Three Nollywood actresses, Destiny Etiko, Eucharia Anunobi and Rachael Okonkwo, have secured appointments in the Enugu State Government, marking a shift from entertaining audiences on screen to public service.

The actresses, who represent different generations of the Nigerian film industry, have been assigned portfolios covering youth engagement, women’s mobilisation and creative industry development by Governor Peter Mbah.

Etiko was appointed Senior Special Assistant on Youth Engagement and Creative Economy. Announcing the appointment in November, the actress expressed gratitude to Mbah for the confidence reposed in her.

She said, “With profound gratitude and humility, I am honoured to announce my appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Enugu State on Youth Engagement and Creative Economy.

“My heartfelt appreciation goes to His Excellency, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for this confidence and opportunity to serve.”

She pledged to make a meaningful contribution to the administration, adding, “I embrace this responsibility with pride, humility and a determination to make a meaningful impact.”

Veteran actress Anunobi was appointed Special Assistant on Women Mobilisation for Enugu North Senatorial Zone.

Reacting to the development on social media, she expressed gratitude to the governor and God.

“Behold the latest HONOURABLE! Great people of my great Nation, Nigeria and the world at large, it is official!!!

“I am the Senior Special Assistant on Women Mobilisation, Enugu North Zone, to the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.

“There are no boundaries with Jesus!!!” she wrote.

Okonkwo, popularly known as Nkoli Nwa Nsukka, was appointed Senior Special Assistant on Film and Creative Industry Development.

Although the appointment was made in September, the actress officially announced it in November, describing it as an opportunity to contribute to the growth of the creative sector.

“With a heart full of gratitude to God, I am delighted to officially announce my appointment as the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Enugu State on Films and Creative Industries, by His Excellency, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah,” she wrote.

Okonkwo said she received the appointment with “deep gratitude, humility and a profound sense of responsibility”.

Thanking the governor, she added, “To His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, thank you for the confidence reposed in me. This is beyond a title; it is a call to impact. For Enugu. For our creatives. For the future of our creative industry.”

The appointments highlight the growing intersection of Nollywood and politics, with the actresses expected to bring their industry experience and public influence to their respective roles.

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