Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has appointed Nollywood actress Destiny Etiko to a key position in his administration. She has been named Senior Special Assistant on Youth Engagement and Creative Economy. This appointment brings Etiko into the Enugu State Government, where she will contribute to issues relating to young people and the development of the creative industry. Etiko's appointment was made public on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

The appointment has been widely celebrated by Etiko's colleagues in the Nollywood industry. Actress Sarah Martins took to Instagram to congratulate Etiko, describing the appointment as well-deserved. Other Nollywood personalities, including Ikpechukwu Nweke and Evan Okoro, also joined in celebrating Etiko over her new political responsibility. Etiko responded to the congratulatory messages, expressing appreciation for the opportunity.

Etiko has established herself as one of the recognizable faces in Nollywood. She developed an interest in acting at a young age and began her professional career in 2011. Her performance in the 2014 movie, Idemili, helped increase her popularity and opened doors to several other movie projects. Since then, she has appeared in numerous Nigerian films and expanded her activities into movie production.

Etiko's popularity, particularly among young Nigerians and entertainment audiences, could provide an avenue for engagement with young people in Enugu State. In her new role, she will oversee programmes related to youth engagement and the creative economy. However, the specific programmes she will oversee and her official responsibilities have not been publicly detailed.

This appointment is not the first time a Nollywood actress has been appointed to a key position in Enugu State. On November 3, 2026, actress Rachael Okonkwo, popularly known as Nkoli Nwa Nsukka, announced her appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the Enugu State Governor on Film and Creative Industry Development. Okonkwo expressed appreciation to Governor Mbah for the opportunity.

Governor Mbah has been making several appointments to his administration. In September 2026, he approved appointments covering different responsibilities, including youth engagement, women mobilisation, public communication, community development, and other areas of governance. Another Nollywood veteran, Eucharia Anunobi, was also appointed Special Assistant on Women Mobilisation for Enugu North Zone.

Etiko has expressed gratitude to Governor Mbah for the appointment, describing it as an honour and an opportunity to serve. She has pledged her commitment to the administration's vision and the good people of Enugu State. Etiko has also expressed her determination to make a meaningful contribution to the state through her new position.

Key points

  • Destiny Etiko has been appointed Senior Special Assistant on Youth Engagement and Creative Economy by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.