NYSC DENIES EXTENDING SERVICE YEAR OF LAGOS CORPER WHO CRITICISED TINUBU

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By: Sefiu Ajape

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has refuted claims that it extended the service year of Lagos-based corps member, Rita Uguamaye—popularly known online as Raye—following her criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Recall that Raye gained widespread attention after she publicly criticised the current administration, describing it as responsible for Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions.

In a viral video posted on her TikTok account, @talktoraye, Uguamaye voiced frustration over the economic hardship in the country, citing inflation and deteriorating living standards.

She described President Tinubu as a “terrible leader” and questioned the effectiveness of government efforts to ease citizens’ suffering.

Additionally, she described Lagos State as a “smelling state” and lamented its “poor living conditions.”

Following the video’s circulation, Uguamaye released another clip alleging that NYSC officials had threatened her and demanded she delete the video.

While the NYSC did not comment directly on the claim, she maintained that she was merely stating the truth about Nigeria’s situation.

Her allegations drew widespread reactions, with several public figures—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and activist Omoyele Sowore—condemning the alleged threats.

On Tuesday, Sowore posted a screenshot of a news headline that read, “NYSC punitively extends Raye’s service year by 2 months for criticising Tinubu’s administration over hardship,” and vowed to protest at the NYSC passing out parade.

Sowore wrote, “This Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu regime might go down with Rita Raye’s National Youth Service Corps matter.” He added,

“This is not acceptable, we will mobilise down to the Passing Out Parade except Rita is allowed to complete her NYSC national service without let or hindrance.”

When contacted for clarification, NYSC Acting Director of Press and Public Relations, Carol Embu, dismissed the notion of a punitive extension, saying the agency operates strictly by its rules.

“Who is Sowore? Does he work with the NYSC? So, how come you are listening to him? I don’t understand how she will get an extension if she is still serving. NYSC is not an irresponsible organisation; we work with rules and regulations. She is still serving; if she has any issues, we will wait and see,” Embu stated.

As of the time of filing this report, the extension claim could not be independently verified by us.

Meanwhile, Uguamaye has also not made any post confirming or denying the extension on her social media platforms.