The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has officially extended the service year of Ms. Rita Ushie, popularly known as Raye on Instagram, by two months, following her viral video criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the escalating economic hardship in Nigeria.
Raye, a serving corps member and rising social media influencer, had recently posted a fiery video lamenting the cost of living, hunger, and the deteriorating state of public welfare, directly calling out the federal government for “failing the Nigerian youth.” Her bold expression struck a nerve online, sparking massive conversations, praise, backlash — and apparently, consequences.
In an internal NYSC memo seen by reporters, the Corps cited “disciplinary review and conduct unbecoming of a corps member” as reasons for the extension of her service year.
Supporters of Raye have described the NYSC’s action as “retaliation and an attempt to silence free speech,” while critics argue that her post violated NYSC’s code of conduct.
In a follow-up video, Raye responded:
“They want to break me, but I won’t be silent. If speaking up for the truth adds 2 months, I’ll do 10 years.”
Human rights activists and civil society groups have since rallied behind her, calling for NYSC to rescind the extension and protect freedom of expression for young Nigerians.
