NYSC Extends Service Year of Influencer Raye Who Criticised Tinubu’s Economic Policies

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has extended the service year of Ms. Rita Ushie, popularly known as Raye on Instagram, by two months in what appears to be a punitive measure following her viral criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Raye, who had only one month left to complete her mandatory national service, gained nationwide attention in March after posting a video lamenting Nigeria’s worsening economic hardship. In the video, she alleged that NYSC officials had threatened her and pressured her to delete the content.

While the incident briefly stirred public outrage, it faded from the spotlight until June 18, when Raye was unexpectedly summoned to appear before a disciplinary panel at the NYSC orientation camp in Iyana Ipaja, Lagos. According to reports, she was not given a formal invitation or letter for the summons.

Jonathan Ugbal, South-South Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, who has been supporting Raye’s family, said she made the trip to Lagos despite limited resources. “She was met by the Local Government Instructor who asked her to return again this week,” Ugbal told CrossRiverWatch.

He explained that after finally facing the panel, Raye apologised to NYSC staff who were reportedly upset by public backlash stemming from her viral video. However, shortly afterwards, her family was informed of the two-month extension.

“Her mother called me, saying she (Raye) was crying over the phone after being told her service year had been extended,” Ugbal said. “She’s not in a good frame of mind to speak right now.”

The NYSC has yet to release an official statement on the matter, but Omoyele Sowore, the convener of RevolutionNow, warned of a massive protest if the NYSC do not reverse its decision.