Corps Member Issues Apology After Viral Video Criticizing Lagos

A National Youth Service Corps member based in Lagos, Ushie Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, who gained widespread attention last week for her remarks about the government, has issued an apology for “talking down” on Lagos.

On Monday, Raye took to Instagram to acknowledge that her statements may have offended Lagos residents. She expressed regret over her choice of words and clarified that she never intended to insult those who consider Lagos their home but was merely sharing her personal perspective as a newcomer.

She explained that her controversial comments were part of a larger initiative—a 30-day rant challenge designed to highlight urgent issues in Nigeria. Her main objective, she noted, was to spark discussions and bring attention to the country’s deteriorating economic situation.

She wrote, “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.

“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 further elaborated that her initial plan was to release 20 videos highlighting various social issues, hoping to gain traction by the 20th day. However, the first video quickly caught the attention of many Nigerians who resonated with her concerns.

She also spoke about the financial difficulties faced by young people in Nigeria, emphasizing how, despite working long hours, many still struggle to afford basic social activities.

“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.

“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.

“I want better for myself. (And I hope you do too). The complaints I made are valid regardless of whatever ‘lifestyle’ you think I am living.

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 urged Nigerians to remain 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.

Raye has remained a trending topic on Nigerian social media since Saturday after her TikTok video criticizing the country’s rising cost of living and economic hardship went viral.

In the video, she voiced frustration over the high cost of living and accused President Bola Tinubu of poor leadership, questioning the government’s response to citizens’ struggles. Her remarks about Lagos—particularly referring to it as a “smelling state”—sparked mixed reactions online, with some agreeing with her perspective while others condemned her words.