Ushie Uguamaye, commonly known as Raye, is a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) stationed in Lagos. She apologised after a video went viral in which she criticised the state’s environment.
Raye apologised for the way she worded her thoughts and admitted that her remarks might have hurt Lagos residents in a message posted on Instagram on Monday. She explained that her goal was to express her own perspective as a guest, not to disparage Lagosians.
“I didn’t intend to offend Lagos.”
Raye clarified that her remark was a component of a 30-day rant challenge, a campaign to draw attention to urgent problems in Nigeria.
“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.
“But as a visitor here, I could tell there was a difference in the atmosphere and air quality. If the way I put it triggered your emotions and your love for your birth state, I am sorry. I didn’t mean to talk down on Lagos.”
She also disclosed that, in an effort to start discussions, she had originally intended to publish 20 movies addressing different societal topics.
But the first video went viral very fast, and many Nigerians could relate to her frustrations. Beyond her comments regarding Lagos, Raye also brought attention to the financial hardships that many young Nigerians encounter, saying that even after working more than forty-five hours a week, she still struggles to pay for her hobbies.
“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 was enough for people to join me.”
“I work 45+ hours a week and should be able to afford to hang out with my friends every weekend. However, I can’t. But how many of us can actually afford that in reality?”
Raye advised Nigerians not to let transient disputes divert them from their demands for improved living conditions.
“I encourage all of us to ask for what we believe we deserve. I know distractions will take over again soon, but if we stay committed to asking for better, we will get better.”
Her widely shared video, in which she attacked President Bola Tinubu for the nation’s inflation and economic woes, has generated a lot of discussion on the internet. Although some Nigerians agreed with her position, others disapproved of the language she used, especially when she called Lagos a “smelly state.”
CREDIT: ALLSCHOOL, Allschoolabs
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