The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has extended the service year of Ms. Rita Ushie, known on social media as Raye, by two months after her viral video criticizing President Bola Tinubu and the harsh economic realities in Nigeria.
Raye, who had just one month left before completing her service, came into the spotlight in March when she posted a tearful video on TikTok, describing her daily struggles as a corps member. She highlighted the rising cost of living, poor infrastructure, and what she called a lack of government action.
Backlash and Response
Following the viral video, Raye claimed she began receiving multiple calls from NYSC officials, pressuring her to delete the post and stop making political comments online. Civil rights groups and many Nigerians criticized the NYSC’s actions, accusing the agency of suppressing free speech.
She was initially summoned to the NYSC office in Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos, but the official who issued the summons was absent when she appeared—accompanied by activist Omoyele Sowore and her legal team. The situation cooled off until June 18, when she was called again—this time to the NYSC orientation camp in Iyana Ipaja.
After several delays, Raye was informed that her service year would be extended by two months as a disciplinary measure.
“She called crying…”
Jonathan Ugbal, South-South Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, who has been in touch with Raye’s family, told CrossRiverWatch:
“Upon her arrival at Iyana Ipaja last Wednesday without any formal letter, she was met by the Local Government Instructor who spoke to her and asked her to return this week despite the scarce resources she burned to get there.
She went there eventually, and she faced them, apologising to the staff who felt hurt due to the backlash they received from the public.”
“However, her mother called me moments ago to inform me that she called crying over the phone that her service year has been extended by two months. I have reached out to her, but she is not in a good frame of mind to speak,” he added.
What Triggered It All?
In her original video posted on March 16, 2025, Raye spoke passionately about how the NYSC allowance was not enough to cover basic living costs. She shared her experience of going to the supermarket and being shocked at skyrocketing prices.
“Why am I going to get a crate of eggs and I’m told it costs ₦6,500? It doesn’t make any sense… Everything has gone up,” she said.
She also criticized the government’s response to inflation and poor public services.
“For example, Tinubu, you are a terrible person. What are you doing to help our economy?”
She revealed that she had never lived outside her family home before and was now overwhelmed by the cost of food, electricity, transportation, and other basic needs. She expressed frustration with the state of Lagos and questioned the relevance of the NYSC scheme under such conditions.
Her comments sparked a wave of reactions online, with many supporting her courage while others questioned whether corps members should make such political statements.
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