Key Points
- Raye says Lagos feels loud, busy and full of drive. She believes the city pushes young people to chase goals.
- She finds Abuja calm and soothing yet a little too slow. The peace makes her relax and post less online.
- The influencer says city choice shapes content mood and work rate. She picks Lagos now but still loves Abuja visits.
Influencer and media personality Raye (Rita Ushie) has opened up on why Lagos became her main base after completing the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC. In a fresh chat with Instablog, she said the city’s fast pace wakes up her drive to work and create content.
Raye splits her time between Lagos and Abuja but says the coastal city now holds her daily grind. She explained that each city gives a different mood, yet only one keeps her locked in on goals.
In the interview, she described Lagos as a place that fuels her hustle spirit. She said the noise, traffic and bright lights remind her that many young people chase big dreams at the same time. A recent Lagos influencer Mandy Kiss debate showed how strongly online fans watch each move of such creators.
Lagos gives Raye a push
Raye said she fell in love with what she called the “hustling and bustling” energy of Lagos. According to her, the city may feel tough, yet it sends a clear message that hard work is not optional. She linked this mood to the number of young people chasing content work there.
She explained that a simple walk outside her estate can turn into a lesson in focus. She said she often sees girls her age filming videos or taking photos for their feeds. For her, those small scenes act like a mirror and a push at the same time.
In her words, Lagos “makes me want to work hard.” She said the sight of creators shooting skits or ads on random streets reminds her to plan, shoot and post fresh content of her own. The city, she added, gives little space for long breaks.
Raye also praised the drive she sees in Lagos-based brands and agencies. Many, she said, call on influencers for quick campaigns and fast turnarounds. This short notice style can feel stressful, but it keeps her sharp and ready.
She stressed that living in Lagos helps her stay close to media events, podcast tapings and red carpets. When new shows or panels pop up, she can attend with short planning. That, in turn, keeps her face and voice in front of fans and industry eyes.
Raye believes this steady motion builds a stronger work habit. She said even a simple commute across town can spark new ideas for skits or short clips. Street vendors, bus queues and billboards all feed her content bank.
Abuja life feels too calm
While she still loves Abuja, Raye said the capital city brings a very different mood. She called it “beautiful and peaceful” and admitted she feels safe and rested there. Yet the comfort often makes her slow down more than she plans.
She shared that on her last trip to Abuja, she spent a whole week without posting any content. The quiet pace, she said, made her focus on rest instead of filming. Only later did she notice how long the gap on her Instagram had become.
Raye said that when she is in Abuja, she feels less pressed by time. Friends hang out in calm spots, traffic flows more smoothly, and late nights are softer. Those perks can be sweet, but for her, they reduce the sense of urgency around work.
She stressed that Abuja is still home for many key parts of her life. Family bonds, old school friends and quiet breaks all sit there. At the same time, she knows long stays in that calm space can hurt her posting streak and brand deals.
The media star noted that other public figures also speak about how city mood shapes work life. Recent pieces on media host Toke Makinwa post have explored how daily stress in Nigeria hits women in the media lane.
Raye said she does not blame creators who pick Abuja for soft life or mental rest. For some people, the peace may be the best match. For her own path, however, that same peace can turn into quiet slips in output.
She explained that Lagos keeps her aware of the need to show up for followers. Brand partners also expect steady posts, and the busy city helps her meet those marks. She wants fans to see her as a hard worker, not a ghost account.
At the same time, she teased that fans should still expect the odd laid-back Abuja vlog. Trips to the capital will now serve as short breaks rather than long stays. She hopes that mix will protect both her energy and her work rate.
In the end, Raye said her choice is less about which city is “better” and more about which city fits her dreams right now. Lagos, with all its noise and rush, happens to fit that stage. Abuja, she added, remains a place she runs to when she needs calm.
The influencer urged young people to think about which place pushes them to grow. For some, that push may come from peace. For others, like her, it may come from the sound of a busy street filled with people chasing the same big leap.
