#30DayRantChallenge Gains Momentum as Nigerians Speak Out Against Hardship #TinubuIsaTerriblePresident

 

A social media movement tagged #30DayRantChallenge is rapidly gaining traction as frustrated Nigerians take to various platforms to share their struggles under the current economic conditions. The challenge, which encourages citizens to post videos voicing their grievances, was sparked by the ordeal of Ushie Rita Uguamaye, a corps member who was summoned by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) after she criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration in a viral TikTok video.

How the Movement Started

Rita, serving in Lagos State under the NYSC scheme, posted an emotional video on TikTok (@talktoraye), where she tearfully detailed the rising cost of living and government inaction. She questioned why the prices of essential goods, including a crate of eggs now costing N6,500, continue to rise unchecked.

“Every single week, prices keep increasing. I want to know, what is the government doing about this? Will there ever be a time when prices stop going up?”

She further lamented that the NYSC allowance was no longer sufficient to survive, as she often spent more than she earned on transportation, electricity, and security bills.

Her video took a bold turn when she directly called out President Tinubu, describing him as a “terrible president” and questioning his administration’s failure to stabilize the economy.

“Why is everything so expensive? What is Tinubu doing to help our economy?”

Within hours, the video went viral, sparking conversations across social media. However, NYSC officials reacted swiftly, summoning Rita to their office and reportedly threatening her to delete the video. In a recorded phone call she shared, an NYSC official berated her, saying:

“Are you normal? Pull down that rubbish you put there! You are not talking to your mate.”

Fearing for her safety, Rita publicly called out the NYSC, highlighting that they had her home address and personal information, raising concerns about intimidation and suppression of free speech.

The Birth of #30DayRantChallenge

Outraged by NYSC’s response, Nigerians rallied behind Rita, launching the #30DayRantChallenge to amplify voices against economic hardship. The challenge encourages participants to record short videos expressing the financial, social, and infrastructural struggles they face and share them online using the hashtag.

Many young Nigerians have already joined the movement, posting videos about:

• The soaring cost of food and how their earnings can no longer support them.
• Unbearable transport fares, making commuting a daily financial burden.
• Poor living conditions, including unstable electricity and water shortages.
• Unemployment and low wages, despite increasing living costs.

One participant, Ayo Samson, shared:

“I earn N100,000 a month, yet I spend almost everything on transport and food. I can’t even save! Things have to change.”

Another, Chiamaka Ndu, lamented:

“Even basic things like detergent and bread are now luxuries. How can an average Nigerian survive like this?”

The movement is gaining support not just from youth but also from older Nigerians, activists, and social commentators, who believe this is a crucial moment for citizens to demand better governance and accountability.

Why the #30DayRantChallenge Matters

The growing popularity of the #30DayRantChallenge reflects the deepening economic frustration in Nigeria. With inflation at an all-time high, wages stagnant, and job opportunities scarce, many believe the government is not doing enough to tackle the crisis.

Rita’s video served as a wake-up call, proving that the younger generation is no longer willing to suffer in silence. Instead of backing down in fear, Nigerians are using their voices to highlight the realities of everyday life and push for change.

Many are drawing inspiration from Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous words:

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

What’s Next?

As the #30DayRantChallenge continues to gain momentum, questions are being raised about how the government and NYSC will respond. Will they listen to the grievances of the people or attempt to silence them?

For now, Nigerians remain determined to speak out, making it clear that silence is no longer an option in the face of hardship.

1. #30DayRantChallenge -  Follow the hashtag on X (Twitter) here - https://x.com/hashtag/30DayRantChallenge

2. #TinubuIsaTerriblePresident -  Follow the hashtag on X (Twitter) here - https://x.com/hashtag/#TinubuIsaTerriblePresident