The Lagos State Government has debunked widely circulated social media claims suggesting the city is overrun with unpleasant smells and swarms of mosquitoes.
This rebuttal comes in the wake of a controversial statement made during a podcast by online personality Scott Iguma, who remarked, “Lagos is smelling… There are a lot of big mosquitoes in Lagos.”
His comments quickly went viral, stirring debates and drawing mixed reactions across digital platforms.
In response, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, took to his official X account on Saturday to condemn what he described as an orchestrated effort to tarnish the state’s image.
Wahab accused certain influencers of using their online platforms to spread misleading information aimed at dividing opinions and downplaying Lagos’ development strides.
“The deliberate efforts by a handful of individuals to tarnish the reputation of Lagos State are deeply concerning. It is regrettable that some who relocate from their home states in pursuit of better opportunities quickly, in less than a month or two, resort to disparaging the very state that has provided them with the platform to thrive,” Wahab stated.
He further alleged that some of these critics, despite benefiting from the city’s opportunities, seem determined to present Lagos in a bad light for clout or controversy.
“Leveraging social media followings, these individuals propagate harmful narratives, often aligned with divisive agendas, undermining the progress and inclusivity that Lagos represents,” he added.
While acknowledging the importance of honest criticism for development, Wahab warned against what he called “malicious attempts” to discredit Lagos.
“While constructive criticism is essential for growth, malicious attempts to vilify a state that empowers countless lives daily are counterproductive. Lagos remains a place of opportunity, innovation, and resilience, and it is imperative that we collectively uphold its integrity while fostering unity and progress,” the commissioner noted.
In a closing shot directed at the influencer, Wahab wrote, “Dear @IgumaScott, I do hope that you will put this same energy into ‘looking out’ for other states. I wish you all the best!”