Popular Nigerian influencer, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, widely known as Raye, has once again set social media ablaze, this time with her pointed views on friendship and personal growth.
The Viral Post That Started It All
Raye, who first gained national attention for her viral critique of President Bola Tinubu's administration during her NYSC service, took to her X (formerly Twitter) platform to share a thought-provoking perspective. On January 8, 2026, she posted a message that quickly resonated—and rankled—with thousands of her followers.
Her central argument was clear: "If you want to go on vacation and you can’t look around your circle and confidently say, ‘Let’s book this flight,’ then you’re either in the wrong circle or you haven’t elevated your friends yet." She concluded with a firm directive: "Either way, it’s time to level up your friends, grow them or get new friends."
Clashing Opinions and Raye's Firm Stance
The post immediately sparked a heated debate in her comments section. Many followers pushed back, arguing that friendship should not be measured by financial capacity or that it's unrealistic to expect all friends to be at the same economic level.
However, Raye stood her ground. When confronted with the common rebuttal that not every friend will be on the same level, she offered a nuanced clarification. She advised that it is "best you find friends that align with your new direction," while simultaneously "trying to elevate the old ones in your own way." This response highlighted her belief in intentional relationship-building alongside personal advancement.
The Broader Conversation on Social Circles
This incident has fueled a wider discussion among Nigerian netizens about the evolving nature of friendship in adulthood. The debate touches on several key themes:
- The Purpose of Friendship: Is companionship and loyalty enough, or should friends actively push each other towards shared goals?
- Growth and Alignment: How should individuals handle friendships when their personal or financial trajectories diverge significantly?
- Social Mobility: Raye's comments tap into a common aspiration for many young Nigerians seeking to improve their socioeconomic standing and surroundings.
Raye's commentary, while controversial, continues her pattern of sparking national conversations from a personal standpoint. Her initial fame stemmed from political criticism, and now she is steering discourse toward personal development and social dynamics.
The conversation shows no signs of slowing down, as people continue to dissect the balance between loyalty, personal growth, and the sometimes harsh realities of building a supportive and ambitious circle.
