Saluting Nigerian Workers on May Day (May 1st 2024)- Celebrating the Unyielding Spirit of Nigerian Workers

Dear Friends,

As I reflect on my time working as a teacher at a college in Ilorin, helping young Nigerians prepare for their future, and also on my time in the storeroom at SPDC, Warri, which housed hundreds of millions of dollars worth of items needing proper management, I am reminded that a single day may not suffice to adequately celebrate those who diligently contribute to workplace success daily. I know that it is mainly through integrity, determination, hard work, teamwork, and excellence that most individuals ascend the career ladder, embodying the enduring dignity of labor and legitimate work practices. Such individuals deserve recognition, and reward, and serve as exemplars of commendable professional conduct.

Nigerians, both at home and abroad, in public and private sectors, stand among the world's most hardworking, innovative, talented, and persevering workers. From the ever-growing and busy trading markets of Onitsha, flowing with economic richness, to the agricultural farm belts in Benue and Niger States, to Lagos, the epicenter of innovation and the financial hub, and to the expansive commerce in Kano, our nation's workforce shines brightly. Yet, it is often the case that we fail to adequately extol the virtues of our Nigerian workforce.

Today, we celebrate those who dare to dream and tirelessly labor to transform those dreams into realities. Whether it be the young entrepreneur navigating the complexities of the business world or the seasoned artisan meticulously honing their craft, or the staff in organizations delivering results, each individual contributes greatly to Nigeria's success narrative and overall economic outlook.

However, I am not oblivious to the challenges that accompany the pursuit of excellence in our country. In our business environment fraught with adversity and economic headwinds, the diligent worker emerges as a beacon of hope, steadfastly refusing to yield to despair. They recognize that success is not merely a destination but rather a journey filled with obstacles waiting to be surmounted.

As we commemorate today's Workers’ Day, let us draw inspiration from the resilience of our fellow Nigerians. Let us unite in spirit and solidarity, acknowledging that our collective efforts serve as the catalyst propelling Nigeria, as our country stands at the cusp of greatness.

To the diligent and hardworking people of Nigeria, today serves as a poignant reminder of your invaluable contributions to our nation's prosperity. Your dedication fuels the engines of progress, propelling us ever closer to our shared aspirations. As we look forward with optimism and determination, let us continue to strive for excellence, cognizant of the fact that together, we possess the power to achieve anything.

Happy Workers’ Day.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Dreams come true - Persevere without being distracted

Having taught 2-years at a college in Ilorin, during which I completed MBA in early 90s, the ‘meager’ salary as a teacher, meant I had only ‘survived’ because I was living with my parents.  As a result, I  took the decision to seek greener pastures. I  dreamt of breaking through in the private sector and living a more comfortable life. I decided to relocate to Lagos (300km away) the nation's then capital and a bubbling commercial center, to search for work. This would require me to squat with friends and family, and struggle to feed, but I was prepared to put in the toil, sweat, and blood. I frantically searched for a job and applied to hundreds of vacancies that I saw in newspapers, those sent to me by family and friends, as well as any vacancy that I saw posted on buildings and fences, as I walked the streets of Lagos. Several months later, without yet securing a job, I decided to visit Ilorin, to spend Christmas with my parents and siblings, as a short cool off, and to replenish
Read more

Make A Difference In Whatever Role

Abel walks into my cubicle on a Monday morning, looking dejected and telling me, ‘There has been a break-in and theft.’ I ask him, ‘What is missing?’ ‘The stainless-steel valves we received into stock last week”, he replied. I am sad. This follows a pattern of break-ins at the weekends when staffs are away. I wince as I think of having to report on theft again at the supervisors’ meeting later in the day. This is not what I expect to be grappling with, in this role. ‘Abel, let us go and have a look,’ I say. I do not want to look demoralized to my team as I am just getting familiar with the job’s responsibilities of receipt, storage, and issuance of materials; maintaining inventory; keeping record and reconciling, and ensuring the effectiveness of the warehousing activities and staff performance. But these repeated thefts were making things difficult and it feels like a heavy, weight on my shoulders. ‘This cannot continue and we must bring it to a stop,’ I say to my team members w
Read more

Global Developments, Implications for Nigeria and Capacity Building

Convocation Lecture by Babs Omotowa Igbinedion University Okada, Edo State, Nigeria Friday 26th November 2021 at 1100hrs ———————- Salutations Good morning distinguished ladies and gentlemen. Please permit me to stand on the existing protocols already established. Today is a momentous and joyous day, and one full of gratitude to almighty God. I rejoice with the Chancellor, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, an exemplary man, who from a humble beginning established Nigeria’s premier private university in 1999. His nickname in primary school of “Exemption”, should have been called “Exceptional” - Domo Épa.  I rejoice with the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ezemonye, who has taken the University to great height, and is fulfilling his pledge to engage students in academic revolution as an antidote to unemployment.  I rejoice with the parents of today’s graduands. You should feel proud and fulfilled. And to the proud heroes and heroines of today – the graduating class of 2021 – congratulations on your ac
Read more