Anto Lecky has laid out a sweeping vision for repositioning Edo State as Nigeria’s cultural and creative powerhouse. In an exclusive interview with BusinessDay, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Tourism and Creative Economy said her diverse career across sports, entertainment, advocacy, and governance has uniquely equipped her for the role.
“My experiences give me the edge on how to interact with different players in the tourism and creative economy,” she explained. “My goal for Edo State is to be the perfect medium for all people and institutions interested in tourism.”
Lecky, who hails from Auchi, stressed the importance of celebrating Edo’s full cultural identity beyond the famed Benin Kingdom. “We have at least 17 languages, countless dialects, fabrics, and festivals. I’m excited to showcase the richness of every community,” she said.
With the Museum of West African Arts set to open in November and the planned Benin Royal Museum expected to house the returned bronzes, Lecky sees Edo at a cultural crossroads. “We must build an entire tourism ecosystem—revitalize sites, train hospitality workers, and improve transport,” she noted.
She also underscored Edo’s role in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, highlighting the global impact of stars like Rema, Shallipopi, and Nancy Isime. By leveraging the diaspora as “brand ambassadors” and harnessing digital media, she plans to connect Edo creatives with global markets.
Nancy Isime
Rema at the 424xPorsche fashion show in Paris
“Film, fashion, music, sports—we have it all,” Lecky concluded. “Now we must give our creatives the structure, protection, and platforms to shine on the world stage.”
