Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has appointed actress Rachael Okonkwo as Senior Special Assistant on Film and Creative Industry Development. He also appointed veteran actress-turned-evangelist Eucharia Anunobi as Special Assistant on Women Mobilisation for the Enugu-North Zone.
Nollywood has deep roots in Enugu. The city was a hub for the industry’s early video film era. In the 1990s and 2000s, Enugu produced many Nollywood classics. Actors, directors and producers worked from the city. The industry later shifted to Lagos and Asaba. Enugu has tried to reclaim its creative status. In 2023, the state hosted a film festival. In 2024, it announced plans for a film village. The appointments signal continued interest.
Rachael Okonkwo is known for her roles in Nollywood films. She is from Enugu. Her appointment gives the creative industry a representative in government. She will advise on film policy and industry development. Her role could attract productions to the state. It could also support local creatives.
Eucharia Anunobi is a veteran actress. She became an evangelist in the 2010s. Her appointment focuses on women mobilisation. The role is political. Enugu-North is a key zone. Women voters are important. Anunobi’s profile can help reach them.
The appointments are political and symbolic. They bring celebrity visibility to government. They also reflect the importance of the creative industry. Nollywood employs thousands. It generates revenue. State governments want a share. Enugu’s appointments are a step. They are not a policy. The real test is whether these roles produce results.
The creative industry needs more than appointees. It needs infrastructure, financing and distribution support. Enugu has potential. It lacks investment. The appointees can advocate. They cannot build studios alone.
Winners: Okonkwo and Anunobi, who gain positions. Nollywood, which gains representation. The Enugu government, which gains visibility. Women voters, who gain a mobiliser. Losers: Other qualified candidates, who were not selected. The creative industry, if the roles are symbolic. Taxpayers, if the appointments add cost without results. The opposition, which may see the moves as political.
Bottom Line: Enugu appointed two actresses to government roles. One focuses on film. The other on women. The creative industry gains a voice. The real test is delivery. Appointments are easy. Building a film industry is hard.