Omoyele Sowore Condemns NYSC Over Denial of Discharge Certificate to Activist Raye
- Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has condemned the NYSC for denying corps member Rita Uguamaye, known as Raye, her discharge certificate
- Raye’s outspoken activism, including a viral video criticising the government, led to a controversial extension of her service year
- Civil rights groups have accused the NYSC of silencing dissent, as Sowore vows to fight for justice on her behalf
Human rights advocate and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has publicly criticised the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for what he termed a “gross injustice” against corps member Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, after she was denied her final discharge certificate last Thursday.
In a statement posted on his official X handle on Saturday, Sowore, who is also the publisher of Sahara Reporters, pledged unwavering support for the activist. “We had promised to fight for her justice, and that promise remains unbroken,” he wrote.
Source: Facebook
Sowore praises Raye’s activism and impact on corps members
Sowore commended Raye’s resilience and outspoken activism, attributing a recent increase in corps members’ allowances to her efforts. “It was Raye’s courage that pushed the authorities to raise the allowance for her colleagues. We will not abandon her. Her fight is our fight,” he added.
Raye gained national attention in March after a viral video in which she criticised the current administration. The NYSC reportedly responded by threatening her to delete the video, prompting widespread condemnation from civil rights organisations who accused the agency of attempting to suppress dissent.
NYSC extension sparks outrage
Following the video, Raye was summoned by the NYSC Local Government Inspector in Eti-Osa to appear at the local office. However, when she arrived with Sowore and her legal team, the official who issued the summons was absent.
The issue resurfaced on 18 June when Raye was called to face a disciplinary panel at the Iyana Ipaja NYSC orientation camp in Lagos. After repeated delays, she was informed that her service year had been extended by two months as punishment, a move that ultimately prevented her from receiving her discharge certificate on schedule.
Source: UGC
What is NYSC?
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a mandatory one-year programme established by the Nigerian government in 1973 to promote national unity and integration among young graduates. Participants, known as corps members, are posted to states outside their region of origin to foster cross-cultural understanding and civic responsibility.
The scheme includes a three-week orientation camp, a primary assignment in sectors like education or healthcare, and community development projects, culminating in a formal discharge ceremony.
After Raye’s ordeal, another NYSC member voices grievances
Legit.ng earlier reported that another corps member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has publicly spoken about the challenges facing Nigerian youth under the current administration, but in a manner that reflects the growing fear of reprisal.
In a viral video shared by Instablog9ja on X (formerly Twitter), the young man is seen expressing his grievances against the government.
However, unlike Ushie Uguamaye, known as Raye, who faced severe backlash for her outspoken critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, this new young man whispers his complaints, making them almost inaudible.
PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!
Source: Legit.ng
