The Lagos State Government has criticised content creator Solomon Buchi over his recent comments advising foreigners against making Lagos their primary destination when visiting Nigeria. Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described Buchi’s remarks as an expression of “bitterness” towards the state,……
The Lagos State Government has criticised content creator Solomon Buchi over his recent comments advising foreigners against making Lagos their primary destination when visiting Nigeria.
Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described Buchi’s remarks as an expression of “bitterness” towards the state, arguing that he could have promoted other parts of Nigeria without disparaging Lagos.
Akosile made his position known in a post via his X handle on Friday, September 4, while responding to Buchi’s video, in which the content creator criticised aspects of Lagos’ nightlife and social culture.
“Dear Solomon, you could have done a better job of marketing other parts of Nigeria without displaying your bitterness to Lagos,” Akosile said.
He defended the city’s nightlife, including activities such as clubbing and the cosmetic surgery culture Buchi referenced, saying they contribute to Lagos’ appeal to visitors.
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“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,” he said.
The governor’s aide also took a swipe at Buchi and other commentators over what he described as their hostile commentary about Lagos.
“I wonder what you guys smoke before you set up your ring lights and cameras, that makes you vomit diatribes,” Akosile said.
Akosile maintained that criticism would not diminish Lagos’ status as a city of opportunities, saying the state would continue to develop despite what he described as “hateful rhetoric.”
“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.
He further said visitors could still look forward to a vibrant Lagos during the festive period.
“We’re expecting to visit your families and friends in Lagos this December. Plenty of activities await you,” Akosile added.
Buchi, in the earlier video, had urged foreigners, particularly Caucasians and Chinese tourists, to consider other Nigerian cities instead of Lagos if they wanted to experience what he described as the country’s authentic culture.
He criticised the city’s fast-paced lifestyle and nightlife, saying, “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.”
The content creator recommended Ibadan, Uyo and Abuja, among other destinations, as places he believed offered a better representation of Nigeria’s heritage.
“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,” he said.
Buchi also listed Calabar, Jos, Taraba, Kano, Yola and Bauchi among other destinations foreigners could explore.
