Breaking: NYSC extends Instagram influencer Raye’s service year after viral criticism of President Tinubu’s govt

DDM News

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has extended the service year of Ms. Rita Ushie, popularly known as Raye on Instagram, by two months.

The National Youth Service Corps is a program established by the government of Nigeria to involve Nigerian graduates in nation-building and development efforts.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the decision follows a viral video in which the corps member openly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over the worsening economic hardship facing Nigerians.

Ms. Ushie, who is currently serving in Lagos State, has come under public and institutional scrutiny after posting a strongly-worded video on social media expressing her frustrations.

In the video, which quickly spread across platforms, the influencer lamented the rising cost of living, high inflation, and what she described as “suffocating hardship” under the current administration.

She questioned how ordinary Nigerians were expected to survive amid dwindling purchasing power and the absence of tangible economic relief from the government.

In response, the NYSC issued a statement explaining that her service year was extended due to “conduct unbecoming of a corps member,” though it did not directly mention her criticism of the federal government.

The development has sparked a heated debate online, with many Nigerians accusing the NYSC of punishing her for expressing her personal opinion.

Supporters argue that Ms. Ushie was merely exercising her constitutional right to free speech, while others insist that public servants, including corps members, should maintain political neutrality and discretion, especially on social media.

The NYSC, established in 1973, is a mandatory one-year program for Nigerian graduates below the age of 30.

The scheme was designed to foster national unity and integration, but in recent years, it has faced criticism for practices perceived as outdated and repressive.

As of the time of this report, Ms. Ushie has not issued any further public statements concerning the service extension or the controversy surrounding her remarks.

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