- The Claim: Influencer says Lagos smells and has lots of mosquitoes.
- The Reaction: Lagos official slams the claim as an attack on the city.
- Acapella’s Take: Defends the right to criticize and points out existing problems like flooding.
- The Fallout: Acapella receives threats for speaking out.
- The Bigger Picture: Highlights the ongoing debate about Lagos and its challenges.
Smells Like Trouble: The Lagos Controversy
The whole thing kicked off when influencer Scott Iguma posted a video describing Lagos with some less-than-flattering terms – namely, smelly and full of mosquitoes. Ouch! This wasn’t just a random comment; it went viral, stirring up a massive online debate about the city.
Government Official Fires Back
Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, didn’t take the criticism lightly. He accused people who moved to Lagos from other states of deliberately trying to damage the city’s reputation. According to him, these ‘migrants’ were using social media to spread negative stories.
Acapella Enters the Chat
That’s where Acapella stepped in. Known for his sharp wit and social commentary, he didn’t hold back. He called out the commissioner for what he saw as hypocrisy. Acapella argued that when Lagosians complain about real issues like flooding or dirty gutters, the government isn’t so quick to respond. But when someone from outside Lagos points out a problem, it’s suddenly considered an attack.
The Threats Are Real
The comedian claims the backlash went beyond just online arguments. He says he received actual threats through DMs and phone calls. Acapella made it clear that every Nigerian has the right to speak their mind. He insisted that pointing out problems isn’t the same as being unpatriotic. In fact, he believes that acknowledging challenges is the first step towards fixing them.
Acapella has always used his comedy to shine a light on issues like corruption and bad governance in Nigeria. He’s not afraid to speak truth to power, even if it means facing some heat.
Lagos: A City of Contradictions?
Lagos is a complex place. It’s Nigeria’s largest city and economic hub, a place bursting with energy and opportunity. But it also faces major challenges like overcrowding, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure. Waste management is a particularly pressing issue, with the city generating an estimated 10,000 metric tons of waste daily, according to the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). Efficiently managing this waste is crucial for public health and environmental sustainability.
It’s worth noting that Lagos State government has made efforts to address environmental concerns. These include initiatives to improve waste collection, upgrade drainage systems, and promote recycling. The debate sparked by Acapella’s comments highlights the ongoing need for open dialogue and action to address these challenges and improve the quality of life for all Lagosians.
So, Does Lagos Smell?
Whether Lagos smells is, of course, subjective. But the controversy raises important questions about how we talk about our cities and what we’re willing to do to make them better. What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
About The Author
