Mbah Taps Nollywood Stars for Key Roles in Enugu Government

Enugu State Governor Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has appointed two prominent Nollywood actresses into his administration as part of a broad expansion of his team of aides.

Veteran actress Eucharia Anunobi has been named Special Assistant on Women Mobilisation for the Enugu-North Zone, while Rachel Okonkwo, widely known by her screen name Nkoli Nwa Nsukka, takes up the position of Senior Special Assistant on Film and Creative Industry Development.

The appointments form part of a larger announcement of 101 aides across three categories: seven Special Advisers, six Senior Special Assistants and 88 Special Assistants.

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The list was released in a public service announcement signed by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, and takes immediate effect.

Okonkwo, whose full name is Nnenna Rachael Okonkwo, hails from Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State. She rose to national prominence in 2014 with her lead role in the popular Igbo-language film series Nkoli Nwa Nsukka. A graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, she has built a career that spans acting, dancing, modelling and philanthropy, and has previously served as Enugu State Ambassador on Youth Development under a former administration. Her new portfolio places her at the centre of efforts to grow the state’s film and creative sector.

Anunobi, a familiar face in Nollywood since the 1990s, has appeared in more than 90 films. In later years she transitioned into evangelism and continues to combine her public profile with faith-based and charitable work. Her assignment focuses on mobilising women across the Enugu-North senatorial zone.

The wider list of appointees includes roles covering conflict resolution, inter-governmental affairs, economic development, grassroots coordination, party mobilisation, legal compliance, boundary and land disputes, small and medium enterprise development, security, environment, youth engagement, media and community outreach.

The move brings two well-known entertainment figures into formal government roles at a time when the administration continues to expand its outreach structures. Okonkwo’s brief is expected to support the development of Enugu’s creative industries, while Anunobi’s position targets women’s participation and mobilisation in the northern part of the state.

Both appointments take effect immediately.