By Dr. Munirat Antoinette Lecky (Anto Lecky)
Dr. Munirat Antoinette Lecky, Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor on Tourism and the Creative Economy, delivered a lecture highlighting the critical role creatives play in shaping national identity, strengthening tourism, and contributing to economic growth.
Speaking to an audience of writers and cultural practitioners at Naija Poetry Fest, Dr. Lecky emphasized that creatives must recognize their influence beyond entertainment and actively participate in nation building.
Defining Tourism Beyond Travel
Dr. Lecky broadened the traditional understanding of tourism, describing it as movement and experience rather than merely air travel or hotel stays. According to her, storytelling itself can function as tourism.
She noted that poets and writers have the power to transport audiences into places through language, allowing readers to experience environments without physically visiting them. This narrative power, she argued, directly contributes to how destinations are perceived locally and internationally.
Understanding the Creative Economy
The lecture outlined the scope of the creative economy, which includes sectors such as advertising, architecture, arts and crafts, design, fashion, film, photography, music, publishing, performing arts, sports, software, gaming, electronic publishing, tourism and broadcast media.
Dr. Lecky explained that these industries shape public perception and influence how people learn about places in the digital age. With audiences increasingly relying on media, books, visual storytelling and digital platforms for information, creatives play a central role in shaping national narratives.
She stressed that creatives are deeply involved in nation building through culture, identity formation and global representation.
The Power of Narrative
Addressing concerns about negative portrayals of Nigeria, Dr. Lecky encouraged creatives to adopt balanced storytelling. While acknowledging the country’s challenges, she called for greater intentionality in amplifying positive stories and cultural strengths.
She described storytelling as a tool capable of either strengthening or weakening national perception and urged creatives to use their platforms responsibly.
Monetization and Sustainability
The lecture also explored the economic realities facing creatives. Dr. Lecky noted that while many begin their work from passion, long term sustainability requires strategy.
She encouraged poets and artists to expand their audiences beyond familiar circles and to position their work as economically valuable. In the Nigerian context, she observed that spoken word poetry may currently present more income opportunities than traditional publishing, though both avenues remain viable.
Collaborative models such as anthologies, competitions and partnerships were highlighted as practical pathways for increasing visibility and revenue.
Government and the Creative Sector
Clarifying the role of government, Dr. Lecky stated that the primary responsibility of government is to create a conducive environment through policy, infrastructure and regulation. While public funding may be available for projects with measurable impact and broad benefit, she emphasized that private ventures should not rely solely on government support.
She encouraged creatives to pursue partnerships with private companies, which often have strategic incentives to invest in cultural initiatives.
A Call to Action
The lecture concluded with a call for creatives to take ownership of their role within the tourism and creative economy ecosystem. By building sustainable structures, expanding audiences and intentionally shaping narratives, creatives can significantly influence national development.
Dr. Lecky’s address positioned poets and cultural practitioners not only as artists, but as strategic contributors to economic growth and national image.
About Dr. Munirat Antoinette
Educator, Entertainer, and Entrepreneur, Dr. Munirat Antoinette Lecky, popularly known as “Anto Lecky”, is the current Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor on Tourism and Creative Economy. She also serves as the Special Adviser to the Bendel Insurance Football Club Chairman.
Hailing from Auchi Sacred Kingdom in Etsako West Local Government, Anto is known for her love for education, entertainment, and entrepreneurship. She attended the fifth best public university in the USA, the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, graduating with a Bachelors in Exercise and Sports Science, focus on Sports Administration and Recreation Administration. Then she attended the University of Central Florida’s DeVos Sports Business Management program, graduating with an MBA and Masters in Sports Business Management. Before becoming a semi-finalist on Africa’s most popular entertainment show, Big Brother Naija, she was the Head of Operations for the first ever private basketball league and professional athleisure brand in Nigeria.
Currently, she is an event and television host, actor, public speaker, influencer, philanthropist and politician. She is a sought after speaker on youth, culture, gender and good governance topics. She is the co-owner of the Anto Lecky X Taries Hair Builder, a luxury haircare line. She is also the owner of Room22agency, a marketing and management consulting company, and co-owner of Mango PR, a communications and public relations agency.
Previously, she served as the Program Manager for the Kunle Afolayan Productions Film and Television Academy before becoming the Arts and Special Projects Lead for ElectHER, an organization championing the inclusion of women in democratic governance.
She is the Founder of The Live Wire Project, a non-governmental organization dedicated to driving positive social impact by amplifying voices and fostering sustainable solutions to critical issues in Nigeria and Africa.
She also serves as the Special Assistant, Digital and New Media to the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu.