ERA OF ACTORS AND FILMAKERS: HOW MERCY JOHNSON, KUNLE AFOLAYAN, FEMI ADEBAYO, KATE HENSHAW AND INI EDO GOT POLITICAL APPOINTMENTS IN THEIR STATES

             

Mercy Johnson and Family

Its the era of appointment galore for actors and film makers in the Nollywood, one of its actress, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, has been appointed as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, on entertainment, arts and culture.

Mercy Johnsom

 The mother of three was appointed along with 53 other Senior Special Assistants to the governor into various offices in the administration.

A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Mrs Ayoade Folashade Arike, states that the appointments take effect from April 1.

According to the statement, the rationale for the additional appointees at the state level is to “plug identified gaps in service delivery, fill key positions with the right people and to broaden inclusiveness in governance by bringing people from more communities on board.”

Okojie made her acting debut in the movie, The Maid. To her credit, she has won several awards including the Best Actress (Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award), Best Actress (AMAA), Nigeria Entertainment Award, Golden Icons Academy Awards (GIAMA) and a host of others.

She represents Okehi Local Government Area in Bello’s list of SSAs.

Kunle Afolayan

Also, Kunle Afolayan, the prolific filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan has been appointed into the Board of Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture.

In a letter signed by Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, the filmmaker was touted as a man of integrity, selfless service with past records of impressive performances.

“In approving your appointment,” Bello said, “due cognizance has been taken of your integrity, selfless service and past records of impressive performance. I, therefore, have no doubt that you will bring your wealth of experience to bear on your newly assigned responsibility and continue to justify the confidence reposed in you by His Excellency, the Governor.”

Attached to his letter of appointment was a copy of the “Code of Conduct for Political Appointees in Lagos State Public Service which clearly highlights the expectations of Government in respect of the job.

The appointment was effective March 6, 2017.

It was clear from the social media post of the filmmaker, released on Thursday, that he (Afolayan) has accepted the offer.

He said: “It is time to serve the people. I am pleased to announce that I have been appointed as a member of the Board of Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture with effect from 6th of March, 2017.”

Urging his fans to be diligent, he recited the Lagos State slogan of passion for progress – “Itesiwaju ipinle Eko lo je wa logun.”

The appointment came few days after he wrapped up production of his three new movies; ‘Roti’, ‘Omugwo’ and ‘Tribunal’ – all shot within 40 days, in partnership with Africa Magic.

‘Omugwo’ is due for cinema release on April 7, 2017, while ‘Roti’ and ‘Tribunal’ will be released on June 30, 2017 and July 17, 2017 respectively.

Femi Adebayo

you will also recall that Actor Jelili known as Femi Adebayo was appointed as SA to Kwara Gov.

He was appointed Special Assistant on Arts, Culture and Tourism to the Governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed.

The versatile actor who played Jelili in the comic Yoruba flick of the same title was announced for the new position on Monday.
Sharing the good news, the 43-year-old Law graduate wrote on Instagram: ” Today i was appointed as Special Assistant (SA) to the Kwara State Governor, on Arts, Culture and Tourism. Thank God 4 an opportunity 2 transform my state into a foremost tourist state that will attract foreign and domestic tourists. My fans i need ur support. Leave me not.”

Femi is the son of veteran actor Adebayo Salami, aka Oga Bello.

An award-winning actor, Femi made his first cross-over role, playing Banji in Kunle Afolayan’s movie, 'Omugwo'

You will also recall that actors Ini Edo and Kate Henshaw were recently appointed into similar positions in their home states: Ini Edo is Special Adviser on Tourism in Akwa Ibom State to Governor Emmanuel Udoh of Akwa Ibom, while Henshaw is Special Adviserx, Liason, Lagos to Cross Rivers State governor, Prof. Ben Ayade.

INI Edo

Kate Henshaw

By the opinions and congratulatory messages by the fans of these Nollywood stars turned politician, it is hoped that by their respective appointments, more states are likely to follow suit. However, it is hoped that these appointed filmmakers would justify the basis of their appointments, it is also believed that same should be able to perform creditably well and deliver in whatever capacity they have been appointed in their respective states.

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