Nigerian actress Destiny Etiko has been appointed as Senior Special Assistant on Youth Engagement and Creative Economy to Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah. Etiko confirmed the appointment on social media, responding to a congratulatory post from fellow actress Sarah Martins. The appointment was made public on Sunday, November 8, 2026, with congratulatory messages circulating online.
Etiko joins fellow Nollywood actresses Rachael Okonkwo and Eucharia Anunobi in Mbah's administration. Rachael Okonkwo was named Senior Special Assistant on Film and Creative Industry Development, while Eucharia Anunobi was appointed Special Assistant on Women Mobilisation for the Enugu North Zone. Etiko hails from Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State and publicly declared her support for Mbah during his campaign ahead of the 2023 governorship election.
The Enugu State Government had not officially announced Etiko's appointment at the time of filing. However, the appointment was announced in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, which listed 101 new aides on September 21, 2026. This included two actresses, Rachael Okonkwo and Eucharia Anunobi.
Nollywood figures have taken government roles in other states before. Mercy Johnson-Okojie was appointed Senior Special Assistant on Entertainment, Arts and Culture by former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello in 2017. Laide Bakare was appointed Senior Special Assistant to Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke on Entertainment, Art, Culture and Tourism in February 2024.
Etiko is the third Nollywood actress to join Governor Mbah's administration in recent months. Her appointment brings to the fore the increasing trend of Nollywood figures taking on government roles. The Enugu State Government has not publicly confirmed Etiko's appointment, but sources close to the government confirm that she has indeed been appointed.
The appointment of Nollywood actresses to government roles has been seen as a way of promoting the creative industry in the state. Governor Mbah's administration has been keen on harnessing the creative potential of the state's youth. Etiko's appointment is expected to boost youth engagement and creative economy in the state.
Destiny Etiko's appointment as Senior Special Assistant on Youth Engagement and Creative Economy is a significant development in the state's efforts to promote youth engagement and creative economy. Her experience in the creative industry is expected to bring a new perspective to the role. Key points include:
Key points
- Destiny Etiko has been appointed as Senior Special Assistant on Youth Engagement and Creative Economy to Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah.
- Etiko joins fellow Nollywood actresses Rachael Okonkwo and Eucharia Anunobi in Mbah's administration.
- The appointment is part of a larger trend of Nollywood figures taking on government roles in various states.
