metro
Corps member apologises to govt after calling Lagos ‘smelling state’
Corps member apologises to govt after calling Lagos ‘smelling state’
A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Lagos, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, has issued an apology after facing backlash over a viral video in which she described Lagos as a “smelling state.”
In a statement made available on her Instagram account on Monday, Raye acknowledged that her comment may have offended residents of the state and expressed regret for her choice of words.
She clarified that her intention was not to insult those born and raised in Lagos but to express her observation as a visitor.
According to her, the remark was part of an initiative—a 30-day rant challenge she had started in a bid to draw attention to pressing issues in the country.
She explained that her goal was to be heard and to encourage others to speak up about the country’s worsening economic situation.
Raye noted that although her plan was to post 20 videos highlighting various concerns, the first video quickly drew significant attention because many Nigerians were equally frustrated.
She wrote, “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 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.
“When I started the 30 days 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 atleast 20 videos complaining until I was heard. But lucky for me I didn’t even have to get to DAY-2 because alot of us are actually 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 actually afford hanging 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. Thank you.”
Raye has been trending on Nigeria’s social media platforms since Saturday after a video she posted on her TikTok account went viral. In the video, she decried Nigeria’s economic hardship and inflation, expressing frustration that hard work no longer translates into financial stability.
She criticised President Bola Tinubu, labelling him a “terrible leader” and questioning what the government was doing to ease citizens’ suffering.
She also took a swipe at the alleged poor living conditions in Lagos State, which she described as a “smelling state.”
Shortly after the video gained attention, Raye claimed she began receiving threats, allegedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to take down the post.
She took to her Instagram page to express her disappointment at what she described as an attempt to stifle her voice, insisting she had only spoken the truth about the country’s reality.
Corps member apologises to govt after calling Lagos ‘smelling state’
metro
Teen alleges torture by stepmother, loses hand
Teen alleges torture by stepmother, loses hand
A 19-year-old boy, identified as Friday, has accused his stepmother of subjecting him to torture that resulted in the amputation of one of his hands.
Friday’s account was made public in a viral video shared by Nigerian content creator Lucky Udu.
The teenager alleged that the incident occurred while his father was away, during which his stepmother accused him of having an inappropriate relationship with her and demanded that he confess.
He claimed she threatened him with a knife when he denied the allegation.
Friday further alleged that he was taken to a man who accused him of witchcraft and subjected him to torture, including burning his hands over charcoal.
He said his injuries later became infected, but his stepmother allegedly refused to take him to a hospital and instead forced him to continue working.
According to him, a passerby who noticed his condition alerted the police, leading to his rescue and the arrest of the stepmother.
He was subsequently taken to a specialist hospital where doctors amputated his hand due to the severity of the damage.
The incident has generated reactions on social media, with many Nigerians calling for justice and stronger protection for vulnerable children.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
Teen alleges torture by stepmother, loses hand
metro
Cars Torched as South Africans Protest Alleged Nigerian ‘Igbo King’ Coronation
Cars Torched as South Africans Protest Alleged Nigerian ‘Igbo King’ Coronation
Violence erupted on Monday in KuGompo City, Eastern Cape, South Africa, following the reported coronation of a Nigerian national as a traditional king, prompting the Nigerian High Commission to issue a 10-point safety advisory urging Nigerians in the country to prioritise safety and maintain a low profile.
According to the advisory titled “Advisory to All Nigerians Living in the Republic of South Africa,” citizens were urged to exercise caution, limit movement, avoid interactions with unfamiliar persons, and suspend socio-cultural activities to reduce the risk of becoming targets amid rising tensions. The circular also advised Nigerians to respect local laws and customs and refrain from posting inflammatory content on social media that could escalate the situation.
What began as a peaceful protest over the alleged installation of Solomon Eziko as Igwe Ndigbo quickly escalated. Videos and images of the coronation circulated widely, sparking anger among residents and civic groups. Protesters torched vehicles, vandalised properties, and clashed with law enforcement. Police reportedly deployed teargas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds, while fire services worked to contain the blazes.
READ ALSO:
- AI Facial Recognition Error: Grandmother Wrongfully Jailed for Five Months
- El-Rufai Alleges Plot to Arrest Brother to Force Negotiation
- WAEC Releases 2026 WASSCE Timetable for School Candidates
A man was stabbed during the unrest and taken to hospital. Authorities clarified that the victim was not linked to the demonstration, though some civic groups claimed one of their members was injured and also struck by a vehicle.
Several groups, including ActionSA, the Patriotic Alliance, and the civic movement March and March, joined traditional leaders in condemning the alleged coronation as illegal and unconstitutional.
- Athol Trollip, ActionSA Eastern Cape leader, said: “There is no constitutional provision for any foreigner, legal or illegal, to coronate themselves in the Eastern Cape. We support existing local kings, not Nigerian kings.”
- Steve Motale, Patriotic Alliance spokesperson, said: “We condemn this fake coronation. Even the Nigerian High Commissioner has denounced it.”
The Royal House of AbaThembu also denied involvement, calling social media claims linking King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo to the coronation false and misleading.
The unrest follows recent anti-migrant protests in South Africa, where residents demanded stricter immigration policies targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals. Analysts say the protests reflect broader xenophobic tensions and concern over foreign influence on local traditional structures.
The Federal Government of Nigeria continues to monitor the situation closely, urging citizens in South Africa to remain law-abiding, cautious, and vigilant until stability returns.
Cars Torched as South Africans Protest Alleged Nigerian ‘Igbo King’ Coronation
metro
El-Rufai Alleges Plot to Arrest Brother to Force Negotiation
El-Rufai Alleges Plot to Arrest Brother to Force Negotiation
Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has alleged that security operatives planned to arrest his elder brother, Bashir El-Rufai, if he returned to Nigeria for their mother’s burial — reportedly as a tactic to pressure him into negotiations.
In a video statement, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain said Bashir avoided attending the funeral to prevent detention. “My elder brother Bashir El-Rufai couldn’t make it because we learned there was a plan to arrest him… they believe if they get him, I will negotiate,” he revealed.
El-Rufai’s mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, passed away in Cairo, Egypt, on Friday. Her remains were flown to Abuja and buried on Sunday. The burial coincided with El-Rufai’s ongoing legal troubles, including his arrest and detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of corruption and money laundering.
READ ALSO:
- WAEC Releases 2026 WASSCE Timetable for School Candidates
- UK, US, France Among 10 Nations Granting Agrément to Nigerian Ambassadors
- Aiyedatiwa Sacks All Political Aides, Plans 1,000 New Appointments
The former governor was arraigned before a Federal High Court in Kaduna on March 24 on a 10-count charge. His case was adjourned until March 31, 2026, for hearings on pending applications, including his bail request. He was granted temporary release from ICPC custody to attend his mother’s funeral.
Observers say El-Rufai’s claims highlight concerns over the alleged use of family members as leverage in political and legal disputes, sparking debate over the conduct of anti-graft agencies in Nigeria. Analysts also note the potential political implications as El-Rufai continues to assert his innocence and challenge the legal proceedings against him.
El-Rufai Alleges Plot to Arrest Brother to Force Negotiation
-
Entertainment23 hours agoFunke Akindele, Toyin Abraham Spark Reactions Over Alleged Snub at Iyabo Ojo’s Premiere
-
metro1 day agoJos Attack: Plateau Govt Declares 48-Hour Curfew After Deadly Assault
-
metro3 days agoTragedy in Aramoko: Trailer Rams Residential Building, Kills 300‑Level Student
-
Entertainment3 days agoStreamer Peller Escorted Out of Alake of Egbaland’s Palace in Abeokuta
-
metro3 days agoADC Chairman’s Daughter Joins Pro-Tinubu Campaign Organisation
-
News23 hours agoUK Raises Visa Costs, Tightens Immigration Rules From April 8
-
Education8 hours agoWAEC Releases 2026 WASSCE Timetable for School Candidates
-
International2 days agoIran Threatens US-Linked Universities in Middle East Amid Escalating Tensions