Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has elevated former Big Brother Naija housemate Anto Lecky to the position of Special Adviser on Tourism and Creative Economy, in a move aimed at strengthening the state’s tourism and creative industries.

Lecky’s appointment was announced on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, following her previous service as Senior Special Assistant on Tourism and Creative Economy under the Okpebholo administration.

The new appointment represents a change in her official designation, with Lecky now serving as Special Adviser on Tourism and Creative Economy.

According to the announcement, she will continue working within the state government’s efforts to promote tourism, preserve cultural heritage and expand opportunities in the creative economy.

The Edo State Government has identified tourism and creative industries as important areas with the potential to attract investment, generate employment and stimulate economic activity.

The sectors encompass cultural tourism, entertainment, film, music, fashion, visual arts, crafts and hospitality.

Edo State is widely recognised for its rich cultural history, particularly the heritage of the historic Benin Kingdom and its internationally recognised Benin bronzes.

The state’s cultural assets, festivals, traditional crafts and contemporary artistic activities offer opportunities to develop tourism experiences and support local businesses.

The government’s focus on these sectors is expected to involve efforts to strengthen the state’s tourism appeal and create opportunities for entrepreneurs, artists and other professionals.

Anto Lecky became known nationally through her participation in the Nigerian reality television programme Big Brother Naija.

Her transition from reality television to public service has seen her take on responsibilities connected with tourism and the creative economy in Edo State.

Before her elevation, she served as Senior Special Assistant on Tourism and Creative Economy, a position through which she was associated with the state government’s agenda in the sector.

Her appointment as Special Adviser places her in a higher advisory designation within the administration.

The creative economy has increasingly become an area of interest for governments seeking to diversify revenue sources, encourage entrepreneurship and create jobs for young people.

For Edo State, developing the sector could provide opportunities to promote cultural tourism, support local creative talent and attract visitors interested in the state’s history and artistic heritage.

The effectiveness of Lecky’s new role will depend on the policies, programmes and partnerships pursued by the government, as well as measurable results in tourism development and support for creative businesses.

Key areas of interest include improved tourism infrastructure, cultural heritage preservation, promotion of local festivals, investment opportunities and stronger support for artists and creative entrepreneurs.

The appointment comes as the Okpebholo administration continues to identify tourism, cultural heritage and creative industries as potential contributors to Edo State’s economic development.

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