Nollywood actress Destiny Etiko has joined the Enugu State Government as Senior Special Assistant to Governor Peter Mbah on Youth Engagement and Creative Economy. The appointment, reported on Sunday and Monday by several Nigerian outlets including Legit.ng, The Eagle Online, Naija News and The Whistler, makes her one of a growing number of film stars handed political roles by the Mbah administration.
How the appointment was announced
According to The Eagle Online, the news was first shared through a congratulatory graphic carrying the Enugu State Government’s insignia and the governor’s name. Etiko later confirmed it on Instagram, describing herself as honoured by the appointment and thanking the governor, The Whistler reported.
Reports differ slightly on timing: Legit.ng says the news broke on Sunday, 8 November, while The Whistler says the actress made her announcement on Monday. No official statement naming a signatory had been published by the state government at the time of writing, and the precise scope of the role has not been detailed.
Congratulations and mixed reactions
Colleagues in the film industry were quick to celebrate. Actress Sarah Martins publicly congratulated Etiko, calling the appointment well deserved, and Etiko responded with thanks, Naija News reported.
Online reaction was more divided. Legit.ng noted that while many fans praised the actress, others made sarcastic remarks linking the appointment to party politics, with some commenters labelling her an “APC baby”. Governor Mbah, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2023, defected to the All Progressives Congress in October 2025. Some critics questioned whether such appointments are designed to win over celebrity voices ahead of the 2027 elections, while supporters argued that Etiko’s large youth following makes her a natural fit for a youth-focused portfolio.
Not the first Nollywood star in Mbah’s government
Etiko’s appointment follows similar moves involving other actresses. Rachael Okonkwo, popularly known as Nkoli Nwa Nsukka, was named Senior Special Assistant on Film and Creative Industries, and veteran actress Eucharia Anunobi was given a role on women mobilisation for the Enugu North zone, according to The Whistler and Naija News. Naija News reported that both were among 101 political aides appointed by the governor in September 2026. Outlets differ on whether Etiko is the second or third Nollywood actress to receive such a post.
Who is Destiny Etiko?
Born in August 1989, Etiko hails from Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State. She rose to prominence after the film Idemili and has since become one of the most recognisable faces in Nollywood, starring in dozens of films. She won the City People Entertainment Award for Most Promising Actress in 2016. Legit.ng also noted that she publicly backed Mbah’s campaign before the 2023 governorship election.
What happens next
Attention will now turn to what Etiko does with the role, particularly in linking Enugu’s young people to opportunities in film, music, fashion and digital content. Enugu, often described as one of the historic homes of Nigerian home video, has been positioning itself as a creative hub, and the governor’s growing team of entertainment figures will be expected to show results. Further details of her responsibilities are expected from the state government.
Sources: Legit.ng, The Eagle Online, Naija News, The Whistler.
