Ushie Uguamaye, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Lagos State, has issued a public apology following backlash over a viral TikTok video in which she criticized President Bola Tinubu and described Lagos as “smelling.”
The video, which was posted last Saturday as part of what she described as a 30-day “rant challenge,” drew widespread reactions on social media, prompting condemnation from Lagos residents and other Nigerians.
In a statement shared on her Instagram page, Uguamaye acknowledged that her words may have offended indigenes and residents of Lagos State, clarifying that she never intended to insult anyone or belittle the state.
“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 explained that the controversial post was part of a personal initiative to create awareness around pressing societal issues through a series of 30 videos, with the aim of sparking public discourse and drawing the government’s attention.
“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,” Uguamaye said.
According to her, the video unexpectedly gained massive attention, resonating with many Nigerians who related to her frustrations.
“I want better for myself. And I hope you do too,” she added. “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 that in reality?”
Uguamaye’s apology has sparked mixed reactions online, with some commending her for taking responsibility, while others insisted the initial comments were disrespectful and uncalled for.
