In a heartfelt statement released today, Corps Member Raye has issued an official apology following recent comments where they referred to Lagos as a "smelling state." The comments, made during a public social media post, have sparked significant backlash, with many residents of Lagos expressing their displeasure and disappointment.
Raye, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member currently serving in Lagos State, took to social media earlier this week, where they referred to the city as "smelling" in the context of the challenges faced by the state in waste management and pollution. The post quickly went viral, drawing reactions from both individuals and government officials.
"I deeply regret my choice of words and the unintended offense they caused. It was wrong of me to generalize the situation in such a manner. Lagos is a city with incredible resilience and diversity, and my comments did not reflect the admiration I have for its people and culture," Raye said in their apology.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has since expressed disappointment over the comments, emphasizing the importance of responsible communication and respect for the communities in which corps members are stationed.
"Lagos State is a vital part of Nigeria, and its residents work tirelessly to improve and contribute to the growth of the nation. As representatives of the NYSC, corps members are expected to respect the communities they serve and promote positive engagement," the NYSC said in a statement.
Raye’s apology also acknowledged the ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Government and various organizations to tackle waste management challenges, which remain a significant issue in the state.
"I understand that my words were hurtful, and I am committed to learning from this experience. I will take the necessary steps to better understand the complexities of urban development and the efforts being made to improve the state’s environmental conditions," Raye added.