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 WORKERS’ DAY: A CELEBRATION OF SACRIFICE, HARDSHIP, AND PATRIOTISM


WRITTEN BY DANIEL OKONKWO


Workers’ Day should remind us all of the immense sacrifices we have made, the challenges we continue to face, and the patriotic spirit that keeps us rooted in our homeland. For many Nigerians who have not joined the wave of Japa (brain drain) choosing instead to remain and contribute within, this day is not just a holiday—it is a badge of honor. It symbolizes an indefatigable belief that Nigeria will be great again—if not now, then very soon.


There is a common misconception that Workers’ Day is exclusive to civil servants and formal sector employees. I vehemently dispute this notion. Traders, artisans, farmers, transport workers, and all self-employed individuals should be celebrated today. Traders, especially, are the heartbeat of the Nigerian economy. Without their daily efforts, commerce would collapse. Journalists also deserve high praise; they are the vanguards of truth, exposing the illnesses and corruption that ail our society.


If you are still standing despite the economic turbulence—celebrate yourself. It is no small feat to survive in Nigeria’s current economic climate. Inflation, insecurity, and daily uncertainties have made survival a struggle. Yet, against all odds, millions rise every morning, committed to doing honest work, hoping for a brighter tomorrow.


Labour Day, or International Workers’ Day as celebrated on May 1st in many countries, has its roots in the 1886 general strike that culminated in the Haymarket affair in Chicago. It is a global commemoration of the labor movement’s achievements, particularly the eight-hour day campaign—eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest. However, in today’s Nigeria, this ideal remains a distant dream for many, as broken promises, earnings unproductivity, and structural hardship continue to define the daily reality of most workers.


In economic contexts, a “worker” refers broadly to anyone engaged in economic activity, whether they are salaried employees, commission-based earners, or self-employed individuals. This includes people under formal contracts, those in the informal sector, and even those seeking work. While some frameworks may exclude specific groups like domestic servants or trainees, the reality remains: anyone honestly striving to earn a living and contribute to society deserves the recognition of being called a worker and should be celebrated.


The celebration of Labour Day should also provoke deep reflection. It is a reminder of the importance of building on what we have, of finding innovative ways to diversify our economy, and of recognizing the dignity of labor in every form. From the traders in Anambra State, market women in Kaura to the taxi drivers navigating Lagos traffic, from the teachers in Borno to the digital creator in Delta—every honest effort matters.


Today, as Nigerians and people across the globe mark Workers’ Day, we must not ignore the truth: many are merely surviving. The cost of living is high, promises have been broken, and insecurity remains a threat. Yet amid these challenges, the Nigerian worker stands irrepressible.


Let this day be a celebration of bouncebackability. Let it be a call to appreciate not just civil servants but all contributors to the nation’s lifeblood. Every hand-building in this country—brick by brick, idea by idea—deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated.


Happy Workers’ Day to all. You are seen. You are appreciated. You are the hope of Nigeria’s tomorrow. 

Profiles International Human Rights Advocate.

WORKERS’ DAY: A CELEBRATION OF SACRIFICE, HARDSHIP, AND PATRIOTISM

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