Public figures stepping into public service is a powerful statement of commitment to national progress. In Nigeria, several beloved celebrities have crossed over from showbiz into governance, bringing their influence, visibility and networks into official capacities.
Here’s a fact-checked deep dive into notable stars actively serving in official roles in 2025 – what they do, how they got there, and why it matters.
1. Iyanya – SSA on Tourism & Entertainment, Cross River State
Iyanya, the R&B/pop star known for his breakout hit “Kukere,” hails from Cross River State and was appointed Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Tourism & Entertainment to Governor Ben Ayade. The appointment was announced on September 1, 2021.
In that capacity, Iyanya brings his entertainment-industry experience into state government, helping shape tourism strategies, liaise with creatives, and promote Cross River’s rich culture. In his announcement he wrote:
“It’s forward ever and backwards never. I have been appointed the Senior Special Assistant on Tourism and Entertainment … I thank God … and also my Governor for finding me worthy to handle this position.” PM News Nigeria
Iyanya’s move marks the trend of entertainers leveraging their brand for public service. A tourism-oriented role is apt for someone with his profile.
He understands the intersection of culture, youth, media and travel. His appointment also emphasizes Cross River State’s push to grow its tourism sector.
He publicly expressed his gratitude on social media, embracing the role with dedication.
2. Harrysong – Executive Assistant, Entertainment, Delta State
Popular singer Harrysong (Harrison Tare Okiri) was named Executive Assistant on Entertainment to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
In December 2023 (effective December 22), Harrysong was appointed Executive Assistant on Entertainment to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State. Source: Vanguard News
He shared the official letter on his Instagram and humorously asked fans to address him as “Hon. Superstar Harrysong.” With this role, he is expected to coordinate entertainment activities in the state, such as festivals, youth-engagement programmes and cultural outreach. Source: Leadership News
Harrysong told the press that he would “make good use of the office” and referenced upcoming festivals in Delta as part of his remit. This offers a template for how celebrity presence can elevate state-level cultural programming.
3. Bob-Manuel Udokwu – Special Adviser, Anambra State
A veteran Nollywood star, Bob-Manuel has had a longstanding engagement with public service. Under Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, he was appointed Special Adviser on Entertainment, Leisure & Tourism in Anambra State (announcement April 19, 2022). Source: TheCable Lifestyle
Bob-Manuel has held similar roles under previous administrations in the same state – which demonstrates continuity and trust in his capacity. Source: The Sun
His appointment shows how the film and entertainment sector is being institutionalised as an economic driver – not just celebrity vanity. He has pledged to use his three decades of experience to improve leisure and tourism infrastructure in the state.
4. Mercy Johnson-Okojie – SSA on Entertainment, Kogi State
In March 2017, Mercy Johnson-Okojie was appointed as SSA on Entertainment, Arts & Culture by Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State. The appointment took effect from April 1, 2017. Source: 36ng
Shortly after the appointment, she hosted the state’s first entertainment stakeholders summit, signalling her proactive stance. Source: Vanguard News
Mercy Johnson was well established in Nollywood before her appointment. Her transition to public service illustrates how states tap entertainment figures to drive culture, tourism and arts policy.
5. Ini Edo – Tourism Adviser, Akwa Ibom State
Ini Edo, a prominent Nollywood actress, was named Special Assistant on Tourism Development to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State (Governor Udom Emmanuel). She has spoken about how the role allows her to merge her acting career and public service. Source: DAILY TIMES Nigeria
One of her early projects was the “IbomFest” cultural tourism initiative aimed at showcasing the state’s heritage to a broader audience. Source: Vanguard News
Ini Edo’s dual career emphasizes how entertainment professionals can act as tourism ambassadors. It also highlights the potential for economic development through culture-tourism synergy.
6. Eniola Badmus – SSA to the Speaker, Federal House of Representatives
In May 2024, Eniola Badmus was officially appointed Special Assistant on Social Events & Public Hearing to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas. Source: Punch Newspapers
She announced the appointment on Instagram and pledged to work diligently in her new capacity. Her publicly stated ambition is to continue rising in public service, with senatorial aspirations. Source: Daily Post
Unlike the state-level roles above, Eniola’s appointment is at the national legislative level. It signals a bridging of celebrity influence into the heart of federal governance.
7. (Bonus Mention) 2Baba (Innocent Idibia) – Brand Ambassador for Job Creation & Entrepreneurship
While not a formal “appointed public office” in the traditional sense, 2Baba was named Brand Ambassador for Nigeria’s Job Creation & MSME Secretariat under the Vice President’s Office. His role is more advocacy-based but bridges entertainment, youth empowerment and national economic policy.
His appointment highlights the full spectrum of how celebrities engage public service – from formal political office to more flexible governmental collaborations.
Why So Many Celebrities in Government?
Several themes emerge from these appointments:
- Celebrities bring visibility, credibility and a built-in audience. States and national bodies leverage those assets to promote culture, tourism, youth engagement and brand Nigeria globally.
- Many of these figures not only entertain, but also represent entire sectors (music, film, tourism). Their presence in government helps ensure these industries have a voice in policy-making.
- With large followings among younger demographics, celebrity-officials can bridge the gap between government and youth.
- Nigeria’s creative economy is often underestimated. By placing creatives in government, administrations signal that film, music & tourism can be engines of growth.
- Appointing popular stars is also a public relations strategy. It humanises government and attracts media attention – though this comes with expectations of delivery.
The presence of celebrities in government marks a meaningful shift in 2025; from glam-centric stardom to service-oriented influence. Whether it’s Iyanya promoting Cross River’s tourism, Harrysong shaping Delta’s entertainment ecosystem, Bob-Manuel steering leisure policy in Anambra, or Eniola Badmus working at the Federal House; these figures are redefining what it means to use fame for public good.
Their success, however, will be judged not just by titles, but by impact: how many jobs created, how many creative industry stakeholders empowered, how many cultural tourists attracted, how many youth mentored. Entertainment meets governance, and the promise is real.
