Enugu State Governor Appoints Nollywood Star Destiny Etiko as Aide
The popular Nigerian actress joins several other entertainment figures who have recently taken up government advisory roles across the country.
Popular Nollywood actress Destiny Etiko has been appointed as the Senior Special Assistant on Youth Engagement and Creative Economy to Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah. The 37-year-old film star shared the news of her appointment with her followers on social media, expressing gratitude to the governor for the opportunity to serve her home state.
In her public statement, Ms. Etiko pledged her loyalty and commitment to the administration's goals. "I pledge my unwavering loyalty, dedication, and commitment to your administration’s vision and the good people of Enugu State," she wrote. She added that she embraces the new role with pride, humility, and a determination to create a meaningful impact.
While it remains unclear whether her appointment was made recently or as part of a broader announcement involving over one hundred new state aides, she becomes the third Nollywood personality to join Governor Mbah's administration. Earlier, the governor appointed actress and filmmaker Eucharia Anunobi as senior special assistant on women mobilization for the Enugu North District, alongside actress Rachael Okonkwo as senior special assistant on film and creative industry development.
Ms. Etiko rose to fame following her standout performance in the movie Idemili and was honored in 2021 as Nollywood Personality of the Year at The Sun Awards. Although many Nigerian entertainment creatives typically relocate to Lagos State for career advancement, she has continued to base her work out of Enugu, where she was born.
Her appointment adds to a growing trend of Nigerian governors recruiting prominent figures from the entertainment industry to serve in public administration. Across various states, musicians, comedians, and actors have been brought into government offices to handle portfolios ranging from entertainment and tourism to youth development and public engagement.
Recent appointments across Nigeria include comedian Seyi Law as senior special assistant on entertainment and tourism in Ondo State, musician 2Baba as technical adviser on entertainment and community outreach in Benue State, and veteran actor Bob-Manuel Udokwu as special adviser on entertainment, leisure, and tourism in Anambra State.
Other notable figures who have stepped into similar government roles include actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie and former reality television star Anto Lecky, who both secured advisory positions in Edo State. These appointments highlight a sustained effort by state administrations to leverage the popularity and influence of celebrities to drive public initiatives, particularly in sectors concerning youth and the creative economy.