Ushie Rita Uguamaye, widely recognized by her social media moniker Raye, has publicly apologized following the widespread controversy surrounding her viral video. In the clip, she criticized Nigeria’s economic conditions and made remarks about an unpleasant smell in Lagos, which triggered backlash from residents and netizens alike.
Raye’s video quickly gained traction, leading to heated discussions across social media platforms. The backlash escalated to the point where she was reportedly summoned for a disciplinary meeting with the Local Government Inspector (LGI) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
In response to the criticism, Raye took to her Instagram page to clarify her intentions and issue a heartfelt apology to those who felt offended by her words.
Expressing her regret, she wrote:
“I want to first of all state that I AM SORRY to the people who were born and raised in Lagos if you feel offended by what I said. 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 emotions and your love for your birth state, I am sorry. I didn’t mean to talk down on Lagos.”
She explained that her statements were never intended to demean Lagos or its residents but rather to share her personal experience as someone new to the city. She further elaborated that her viral remarks were part of a social media challenge she had initiated, known as a “30-day rant challenge,” where she planned to voice her frustrations about the socio-economic situation in Nigeria over a period of 30 days.
According to Raye, her expectation was that her posts would gain gradual attention as the challenge progressed. However, she was surprised when her very first video spread rapidly, sparking controversy much sooner than anticipated.
Addressing the economic difficulties that many Nigerians face, Raye defended her stance on affordability, stating:
“I work 45+ hours a week and should be able to afford hanging out with my friends every weekend. However, I can’t. But how many of us can actually afford that?”
She urged Nigerians to remain focused on the bigger picture—demanding better economic conditions and governance rather than getting distracted by short-lived social media controversies.
“If we stay committed to asking for better, we will get better,” she concluded, reinforcing her belief that collective advocacy is crucial for change.
Check out her full post below:
