A wave of criticism has trailed Lagos State Government’s collaboration with business influencer Nelly Agbogu, popularly known as Naija Brand Chick, over an upcoming trade fair.
Gatekeepers News reports that backlash erupted after Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture unveiled plans for the Mainland edition of Lagos Tourism Naija Brand Chick Trade Fair, slated for October 24–26, 2025, at the Whitestone Event Centre, Ikeja.
The event follows the success of the Island edition held in April, which reportedly generated over ₦1 billion in sales and attracted hundreds of local entrepreneurs.
The government said the fair underscores its commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and creativity within Lagos’ five divisions.
However, many social media users accused the state of double standards, citing Agbogu’s past criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
They resurfaced one of her old posts from the 2023 election period, where she claimed Tinubu was physically and mentally unfit to contest for the presidency, warning her followers not to “defend nonsense.”
Critics argued that the government’s decision to work with her reflects a flawed reward system that sidelines loyal party supporters while elevating known detractors. Some also linked the move to Tinubu’s loss in Lagos during the 2023 presidential polls.
An X user, @Alkaneseries, lamented, “Dear Governor @jidesanwoolu, your reward system is unbelievable. You empower those who openly insult you while loyal supporters are ignored. This same woman helped ridicule your principal, yet she’s now championing a Lagos tourism event. How long before Lagos slips out of APC’s grip?”
Another user, @dmightyangel, claimed that the collaboration was no accident, saying, “Whatever @IdrisConnecting is doing in the name of tourism, it’s intentional. People inside Lagos government contributed to why APC lost Lagos in 2023.”
Others, like @yomiable and @i_am_afobaje, echoed similar sentiments, calling the move a misplaced priority and accusing the government of “rewarding critics while punishing loyalty.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, maintained that the initiative aligns with the state’s broader goal of building a people-driven creative economy and empowering small businesses across Lagos.
