A former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has called on Nigerian leaders to prioritise the welfare and dignity of workers across the country.
Adebayo made the call in a goodwill message to commemorate International Workers’ Day, stressing that labour must be rewarded with opportunity rather than reduced to a daily struggle for survival.
He paid tribute to the resilience and contributions of Nigerian workers, describing them as the backbone of national development and key drivers of economic growth.
“Today, we honour the hands that build, the minds that innovate, and the spirit that refuses to quit,” Adebayo said, underscoring the central role of labour in sustaining productivity and national progress.
The former presidential candidate, however, warned that the value of work is increasingly being undermined by policies and leadership failures that leave many Nigerians struggling despite their efforts.
According to him, it is the responsibility of leadership to ensure that hard work translates into meaningful opportunities, improved living standards, and long-term economic security for citizens.
Adebayo emphasised that the true wealth of any nation lies not in its natural resources but in the wellbeing of its workforce, urging policymakers to adopt people-centred economic strategies that protect workers’ rights and promote inclusive growth.
He also reiterated the need for accountable governance that places citizens at the centre of decision-making, noting that no nation can achieve sustainable development if its workers are neglected or left behind.
