Ushie Uguamaye, a National Youth Service Corps member based in Lagos, popularly known as Raye, has issued an apology after her viral criticism of the government last week stirred controversy. In a Monday Instagram post, Raye expressed regret for remarks that appeared to disparage Lagos, particularly after labeling it a “smelling state” in a widely shared video. She clarified that her intent was not to offend residents but to voice her perspective as an outsider.
Raye explained that the comment stemmed from a 30-day “rant challenge” she launched to highlight Nigeria’s pressing issues, including its worsening economic conditions. “I’m sorry to anyone born and raised in Lagos who felt offended,” she wrote. “As a visitor, I noticed a difference in the air quality here. If my wording upset you or your love for your home state, I apologize—I didn’t mean to belittle it.”
She outlined her original plan: to post 20 videos addressing societal concerns, hoping to spark dialogue by the 20th day. Unexpectedly, her first video—posted on TikTok—exploded online, striking a chord with Nigerians frustrated by similar struggles. “I just wanted to be heard,” she said. “I didn’t even need to reach Day 2; Day 1 was enough for people to join me in voicing their anger.”
In her apology, Raye also shed light on the financial hardships young Nigerians endure. “I work over 45 hours a week, yet I can’t afford to hang out with friends on weekends,” she lamented. “How many of us can? You grind all week but can’t even enjoy a moment to feel alive.” She stressed that her complaints—beyond the Lagos remark—reflect valid grievances, regardless of how her lifestyle is perceived.
Urging resilience, Raye called on Nigerians to keep pushing for better living conditions. “Distractions will come, but if we stay committed to demanding more, we’ll get it,” she wrote. Since Saturday, Raye has dominated social media trends in Nigeria after her TikTok rant, where she slammed President Bola Tinubu as a “terrible leader” and decried the soaring cost of living. While her “smelling state” jab at Lagos divided opinions—some nodding in agreement, others bristling at the insult—her broader message on economic hardship has fueled ongoing debates online.
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