Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ushie “Raye” Uguamaye, has issued a public apology following backlash over her remarks about Lagos State’s environmental conditions.
Raye had previously gone viral after criticizing the state’s atmosphere, particularly its air quality, and expressing concerns about the high cost of living. Her comments sparked outrage among Lagosians, leading to heated debates on social media.
In her apology, she addressed residents of Lagos, saying:
*”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 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.”*
Prior to her apology, Raye had alleged that she received threats from NYSC officials over her viral comments. She claimed she was pressured to retract her statements and warned that if anything happened to her, NYSC Lagos officials should be held responsible.
The controversy surrounding Raye’s remarks has reignited discussions on freedom of expression, the responsibilities of public servants, and the challenges corps members face in Nigeria. While some have accepted her apology, others argue that her initial comments reflected genuine concerns about the state’s environmental and economic conditions.
