On Tuesday, March 18, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Ushie Uguamaye, known as Raye, publicly apologized for describing Lagos as a “smelling state” in a recent TikTok video.
In the video, Raye criticized the economic situation under President Bola Tinubu and shared her personal views on the environmental conditions in Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous city. The video quickly went viral, sparking reactions from Nigerians, including officials from the NYSC.
Following the backlash, Raye took to Instagram to express her regret, acknowledging that her words might have upset Lagos residents. “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 explained that her comments were meant to reflect her personal experiences as someone new to the city and that she never intended to insult people who call Lagos home. “As a visitor here, I could tell there was a difference in the atmosphere and quality of air,” she said. “But 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.”
The controversy stemmed from a broader initiative Raye was involved in—her 30-day “rant challenge,” where she aimed to highlight Nigeria’s most pressing social and economic issues. The goal was to spark conversations about the country’s growing financial struggles, but Raye’s first video caught attention much faster than she anticipated. “I want better for myself. (And I hope you do too),” she explained in her Instagram post. “The complaints I made are valid regardless of whatever ‘lifestyle’ you think I am living.”
In her video, Raye shared the challenges faced by young Nigerians, especially those working long hours but still struggling financially. She pointed out that despite working over 45 hours a week, she and many others can’t afford basic leisure activities, like hanging out with friends on weekends.
“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,” Raye 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.”
Raye encouraged Nigerians to remain focused on demanding better living conditions and not get distracted by temporary 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 concluded.
