Prominent media personality Lyee K. Bility has sparked renewed discussion around support for Liberian entertainers after speaking out on the Liberia Telecommunications Authority’s (LTA) recent appointment of Liberian-born actor Eddie Watson as brand ambassador.
Watson, though Liberian by nationality, is based in Ghana and has built much of his acting career abroad. His one-year ambassadorial deal with the LTA was announced earlier today, with the authority stating the partnership is intended to promote digital inclusion and telecom visibility in Liberia.
“Eddie Watson Named LTA Brand Ambassador
The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has signed international movie star Eddie Watson (eddiewatsonjr) as its brand ambassador for one year… Watson expressed excitement about supporting the LTA’s mission to drive digital inclusion and innovation.”
While the appointment was widely shared as a celebratory moment, it quickly drew backlash online, including a fiery critique from commentator Foday Saytumah, who accused the government of ignoring entertainers living and working in Liberia.
“So all the Liberian-based celebrities and influential citizens in the country are ‘non-living thing’ to have such an opportunity… Boakai is extremely heartless. He’s not a nationalist,” Saytumah wrote.
Lyee K. Bility, who reshared Saytumah’s post, clarified that his intention was not to attack Watson or the LTA, but to redirect the conversation toward a more constructive goal: empowering entertainers who are currently based in Liberia.
“I said nothing wrong about the LTA recently Ambassador appointment,” Bility wrote. “I only appreciate ORANGE LIBERIA for believing in local entertainers.”
Bility pointed out a deeper issue—Liberia’s lack of infrastructure and policy support to help its own entertainers earn from their content online.
“If the LTA really aiming to work with entertainers, I suggest they should start finding ways to help entertainers get their contents monetized,” he wrote. “This will help musicians, actors/actresses, digital content creators and so many people who are active on social media. Just my suggestion. No harm.”
He also praised Orange Money Liberia for partnering with Liberia-based talent and setting an example of what local investment looks like.
“Big shots out to Orange Money Liberia for believing in local-based Entertainer. Thank you Orange.”
Bility’s statement highlights a growing frustration within Liberia’s creative sector, where many entertainers—despite their visibility and influence—remain without the tools, platforms, and institutional backing to turn their work into income.
As the debate continues, one question stands out: When will Liberia’s public institutions truly prioritize and invest in entertainers working on the ground, not just in name, but through sustainable digital infrastructure and monetization opportunities?
