The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Lagos State Governor, Gboyega Akosile, has berated content creator Solomon Buchi over his recent comments advising foreigners against visiting Lagos if they want to experience Nigeria in its truest form.
Akosile, in a statement responding to the video on X.com on Friday, accused Buchi of displaying bitterness towards Lagos rather than using the opportunity to market other parts of the country.
He said the clubbing and cosmetic surgery culture that the content creator had derided were among the reasons Lagos nightlife remained attractive to visitors.
“Dear Solomon, you could have done a better job of marketing other parts of Nigeria without displaying your bitterness to Lagos.
Those clubbing, BBL etc that you mentioned with derision are some of the reasons why Lagos nightlife is interesting and they’re in high demand by those who visit our beautiful city,” Akosile said.
Akosile further mocked Buchi and his colleagues for the content of their commentary, asking what had informed their remarks.
“I wonder what you guys smoke before you set up your ring lights and cameras, that makes you vomit diatribes,” Akosile said.
He insisted that Lagos would remain a city of opportunity regardless of Buchi’s criticism.
“No matter your hateful rhetoric, Lagos will continue to get bigger, stronger and better. It is a city where dreams are realised. Ask several of your brothers from the other side,” he said.
“We’re expecting to visit your families and friends in Lagos this December. Plenty of activities await you,” he added.
Buchi had, in an earlier video, urged foreigners, particularly Caucasians and Chinese tourists, to steer clear of Lagos as their primary destination in Nigeria, describing the state’s fast-paced nightlife as a distortion of the country’s true culture.
“The only thing you can get out of Lagos is begging, clubbing, fake life, and a den of adulterers and fornicators. There is nothing there apart from all the loudness and madness.”
He had recommended cities such as Ibadan, Uyo and Abuja as better representations of Nigerian heritage.
He added, “There are so many places in Nigeria that you can visit and have a good time. Go to Uyo, a very serene city. Go to Abuja, a very beautiful place. Even go to Ibadan, Oyo State—good food, rural areas, rustic city vibe, beautiful. Go to Calabar. Go to Jos in Plateau State. Go to Taraba. Go to Kano. Go to Yola, go to Bauchi.”
