NIGERIA: Corps Member Apologizes For Calling Lagos A ‘Smelling State’ In Viral Video

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

A Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ushie Uguamaye, known on social media as Raye, has apologized for her comments about Lagos State, which went viral last week.

In a video posted on Instagram on Monday, Raye expressed regret for “talking down” on Lagos, acknowledging that her words may have offended residents.

Raye clarified that her intention was not to insult Lagosians but to share her honest perspective as a visitor.

She explained that the remark about Lagos being a “smelling state” was part of her 30-day rant challenge aimed at highlighting pressing societal issues.

She shared: “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 on Instagram.

“But as a visitor here, I could tell there was a difference in the atmosphere and quality of air here,” she added.

She also noted that her goal was to post 20 videos throughout the challenge, addressing societal issues, but the first video gained traction quickly, resonating with many Nigerians.

In her apology, Raye also addressed the financial struggles young Nigerians face, noting that despite working over 45 hours a week, she and many others still struggle to afford basic leisure activities.

Raye added: “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. Luckily for me, I didn’t even have to get to DAY 2 because a lot of us were 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 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.”

Raye had sparked controversy with her TikTok video criticizing the government’s handling of the country’s economic hardships, accusing President Bola Tinubu of poor leadership. Her comments about Lagos, which some saw as derogatory, triggered mixed reactions across social media.

She urged Nigerians to continue demanding better living conditions and not to be distracted by temporary controversies.