Prince Adewole Adebayo, a strident opposition figure, veteran public affairs analyst and ex-presidential aspirant, has urged Nigerian leaders to put the welfare and dignity of workers first saying that labour must be paid with opportunity and not be reduced to a fight for mere survival.
The former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in a goodwill message on the occasion of the International Workers’ Day, hailed the resilience of Nigerian workers and their contributions, which he described as the bedrock of national development.
“We celebrate today the hands that build, the minds that innovate and the spirit that will not give up,” Adebayo said, pointing out the crucial role of labour in boosting productivity and sustaining the economy of the nation.
But he warned that policies and leadership failures are eroding the value of work, with many Nigerians struggling despite their efforts.
He said leadership had to ensure that diligence translated into meaningful opportunities, better standards of living and economic security.
The real wealth of any nation, said Adebayo, was not its natural resources but the wellbeing of its workforce.
He urged policymakers to pursue people-centred economic strategies that give workers a voice, protect their rights and open avenues for growth and prosperity.
The message from the SDP chieftain comes as concerns about wages, inflation and job security continue to dominate national discourse, with organised labour groups demanding reforms to improve workers’ conditions across the country.
Reiterating his position on governance, Adebayo emphasized the importance of accountable leadership, putting citizens at the centre of decision making, stressing that no nation can progress when its workers are left behind.
