By Ayo Kehinde
A serving female member of the National Youth Service Corps in Lagos, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, has apologised for describing the state as “smelling” but insists that her concerns about the economic and environmental conditions remain valid.
Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, had posted a video on TikTok in which she criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, calling him a “terrible leader” while lamenting the worsening economic situation in the country.
She also condemned the environmental state of Lagos, referring to it as a “smelling state” with poor air quality.
Her video was part of a 30-day rant challenge aimed at drawing the attention of authorities to the struggles faced by Nigerians.
However, following widespread reactions, Raye, in a post on Monday, expressed surprise at the swift backlash, noting that her challenge barely reached Day 2 before drawing more attention than she anticipated.
While tendering an apology to those who felt offended by her remarks, she maintained that her observations were genuine.
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. If the way I put it triggered your emotions and love for your birth state, I am sorry. I didn’t mean to talk down on Lagos.”
She explained that her 30-day rant challenge was intended to create awareness about pressing issues, adding that she expected to be heard only after making at least 20 videos.
She stated, “My target was to make at least 20 videos complaining until I was heard. But lucky for me, I didn’t even have to get to Day 2 because a lot of us are actually angry, and Day 1 was enough for people to join me.”
Raye further defended her complaints about the economy, stating that despite working over 45 hours a week, she finds it difficult to afford simple leisure activities.
“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. But I can’t. How many of us can actually afford that in reality? You spend all week working and can’t even feel alive during the weekends,” she added.
