NYSC Member Raye Finally Apologizes After Viral Video About Lagos

The NYSC member serving in Lagos, Ushie Uguamaye, also known as Raye, came under fire for describing Lagos as a “smelling state” in a TikTok video. 

In the same video, she rubbished President Bola Tinubu, calling him a “terrible President”, over the economic hardships brought on by his government policies.

Ushie’s remarks triggered widespread reactions, including a demand by a top NYSC official that she remove the TikTok video. Several, particularly from human rights and youth groups rallied round her to defend her right to freely express her opinions.

Raye, however, has now apologized for her comments. 

In an Instagram post on Monday, she expressed regret over her choice of words, admitting that her remarks might have offended Lagos residents.  

Raye’s Apology

“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.  

Raye said her comments were not meant to insult those who call Lagos home. Instead, they were based on her personal experiences as someone new to the city. 

She explained that her controversial statement was part of a broader 30-day “rant challenge,” which she created to spotlight Nigeria’s social and economic problems.  

Her plan, she added, was to post 20 videos addressing these concerns, hoping to draw attention by the 20th day. However, the first video unexpectedly went viral, bringing her knocks and kudos.

Raye is from Cross River State in the oil rich Niger-Delta region of southern Nigeria.

It must be noted that Raye’s apology did not directly address her remarks about the president.

Young Nigerians Face Financial Struggles

Beyond the controversy, Raye shed light on the financial challenges young Nigerians face daily. She pointed out that despite working over 45 hours weekly, many still struggle to afford basic leisure activities.  

“When I started the 30-day rant challenge, I just wanted to be heard,” Raye explained. “My target was to make at least 20 videos complaining until I was heard. 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 added, “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.”  

Raye argued that her complaints reflected the reality for many Nigerians struggling under tough economic conditions.  

She concluded her post by urging Nigerians to remain focused on demanding better living standards rather than getting sidetracked by 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 said.  

Notwithstanding her ordeal from authorities, Raye’s video has resonated with many young Nigerians who share her frustrations about the state of the economy and rising costs of living, making her now a recognizable voice in Nigeria’s social space.

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