Nigerian Nurse Criticized For Saying Lagos Smells Secures International Job And Leaves Nigeria

A Nigerian nurse who faced backlash for saying Lagos smells has begun receiving congratulatory messages online after securing an international job and leaving Nigeria.

Weeks ago, a nurse identified as @nurse_ugbede on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) sparked controversy when she posted about her frustration with Lagos, describing the city as smelly. She wrote, “This Lagos is a smelly city. People smell, the streets smell, the gutters smell, the water smells, everything is smelly, I’m tired!”

Following the criticism, an X user named Cross, who works abroad, offered to help her find a job in another country if she lost hers. He tweeted, “Hi @nurse_ugbede, trust you are having a beautiful morning. So one of my Oga asked me to reach out to you. Just in case anything happens to your job, and you are willing to work in another country, kindly notify. Will share an email address you can forward your CV to too.”

In a recent update, Nurse Ugbede shared that she has secured the international job and left Nigeria. Reflecting on her journey, she recalled being homeless in Lagos just a year ago, squatting with a friend and borrowing money for rent. She celebrated her progress, saying, “I got the job guys! Just remembered that by this time last year, I was homeless, in Lagos! Squatting with a friend and loaning money to raise rent. One year later, got my big girl job and big girl pay. I wondered when it would happen, but when it’s your turn, God will part the ocean!!!”