The controversial Corp member, Raye tenders her apology for calling Lagos State "smelling state".
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ushie Uguamaye who is deployed in Lagos State, has tendered her apology for calling Lagos State a “smelling state”.
The female corp member, who is popularly known as Raye made this statement in a Tiktok video where she criticised the current administration - President Tinubu's administration over the economic situation of the country and also the environmental conditions of the Nigeria's most populous city - Lagos State.
The video went so viral thereby attracting many reactions from Nigerians including the NYSC's officials.
However, on Monday 17th of March, 2025, Raye has taken to her Instagram account to note that she regretted the remark she made about Lagos State, acknowledging that her words may have offended residents.
She also expressed that her choice of words may be insensitive, however, it's not her intention to insult the people that sees Lagos State as a home.
She added that her comments were just a mere personal observations as someone who has never been in Lagos before.
She also expressed that the comment was a part of a "rant challenge" which was a 30 days challenge designed to delve deep into the Nigeria's social and economic issues.
She stated that it was just a way she wishes to draw Nigerians attention to the financial struggles of the country.
“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 quality of air here. 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.”
She stated that her intention was to post about 20 videos that discusses the societal issues, hoping to gain traction by the 20th day, however the very first video she made went viral as unexpected, this is because many Nigerian shares similar frustrations.
“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,” she explained.
“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 of the challenge was enough for people to join me.”
She continued, “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 actually 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.”
“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.
