Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has announced plans to lead a protest on Tuesday against the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for allegedly withholding the discharge certificate of content creator and corps member Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye.
In March, Uguamaye went viral after posting a video on social media criticising the Federal Government’s policies and Nigeria’s struggling economy.
She described President Bola Tinubu as a “terrible leader,” lamented Lagos’ “poor living conditions,” and dismissed the NYSC scheme as “not beneficial.” The remarks drew mixed reactions, prompting her to later apologise, saying her comments about Lagos were misunderstood.
Last week, she accused NYSC officials of withholding her discharge certificate, claiming that she missed her April clearance, and blamed the issue on her local government inspector’s refusal to sign her attendance record.
Responding on Sunday, NYSC said her service year was extended by two months for “failing to attend the April 2025 biometric clearance,” adding that she was among 131 corps members penalised for similar offences.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Monday, Sowore alleged that Uguamaye was being targeted for her political views and urged Nigerians to join the protest.
“She is the only one who spoke up against the president who denied her certificate. We have a clear nexus between what she said and her punishment,” he claimed.
Sowore also dismissed NYSC’s explanation, insisting Uguamaye had proof she attempted to complete the clearance but was blocked.
