NYSC Member Raye Apologises for Criticising Lagos, Clarifies Intentions

A Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ushie Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, has apologized for her recent viral comments criticizing Lagos, which sparked controversy on social media.

Taking to Instagram on Monday, Raye acknowledged that her remarks might have offended Lagos residents and expressed regret over her choice of words. She explained that her intention was not to insult Lagosians but to share her honest observations as a visitor to the state.

“I want to first of all state that I am sorry to the people who were born and raised in Lagos State if you feel offended by what I said. I am sorry,” she wrote. “But as a visitor here, I could tell there was a difference in the atmosphere and quality of air here. If the way that I put it triggered your emotions and the love for your birth state, I am sorry. I didn’t mean to talk down on your birth state.”

Raye revealed that her initial comments were part of a broader initiative—a 30-day rant challenge aimed at shedding light on Nigeria’s pressing social and economic issues. According to her, the goal was to spark conversations about the country’s worsening economic conditions and advocate for change.

Her viral video, which gained traction on TikTok over the weekend, criticized the high cost of living and economic hardship in Nigeria. She also accused President Bola Tinubu of poor leadership and questioned the government’s efforts in addressing citizens’ struggles. However, her remark referring to Lagos as a “smelling state” triggered mixed reactions, with some social media users supporting her views while others condemned her language.

Explaining her intentions further, Raye stated that she had planned to post 20 videos addressing various societal concerns, believing that by the 20th day, her voice would gain traction. However, the first video resonated with many Nigerians, drawing significant attention almost immediately.

“When I started the 30-day rant challenge, I said I just wanted to be heard. I believed that if I got to DAY-20, people would begin to hear me and join me to speak to the government,” she explained. “Lucky for me, I didn’t even have to get to DAY 2 because a lot of us were actually angry, and Day 1 of the challenge was enough for people to join me.”

She also used the opportunity to highlight the financial struggles of young Nigerians, noting how difficult it has become to afford basic leisure activities despite working long hours.

“I work 45+ hours a week, and I should be able to afford hanging out with my friends every weekend. However, I can’t. But how many of us can actually afford to hang out with our friends? How many can afford that in reality? You spend all week working and can’t even feel alive during the weekends,” she lamented.

Despite the backlash, Raye urged Nigerians to stay focused on demanding better living conditions rather than getting distracted by fleeting controversies.

“I encourage all of us to ask for what we believe we deserve. I know distractions will take us again, very soon. But if we stay committed to asking for better, we will get better,” she added.