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OPINION: Trodding On The Winepress: All Hail The Nigerian Workers

By Israel ADEBIYI
_“Yeah, we’ve been trodding on the winepress much too long… Rebel, rebel!”_ — Bob Marley, Babylon System, 1978.
May Day came like a thief in daylight—ceremonial, subdued, and almost perfunctory. The speeches flowed from Aso Rock, the governors’ lodges echoed with empty praise, and the workers—oh, the workers—stood at the square once again, beneath sun-faded banners, to be reminded of how far they’ve fallen.
It was Bob Marley who sang with prophetic angst against oppression, warning against systems built to suck men dry. Decades later, his lyrics find a second home in the hearts of Nigerian workers, who have for generations been crushed beneath the boots of indifference, bad governance, and systemic wickedness.
From the builders of the pyramids to the weavers of silk, the factory hands of the industrial revolution to today’s tech developers—workers have always been the heart of global progress. They till the earth, teach the children, drive the buses, heal the sick, and keep the wheels of civilization moving. But while the world has evolved, in Nigeria, workers remain stuck in the gears—underpaid, undervalued, and overworked.
In Nigeria, being a worker is synonymous with sacrifice. The minimum wage, recently pegged at ₦70,000, appears like a breath of fresh air on paper. However, reality says otherwise. While a handful of states have adjusted upward, the majority still grapple with the outdated ₦30,000, barely enough to survive a week, let alone a month. And even then, the payment is erratic—an outright violation of the National Minimum Wage Act, Section 3(1).
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The conversation must now shift from minimum wage to living wage. A wage that reflects the economic realities of food, shelter, transport, healthcare, education, and dignity. Anything less is a starvation sentence.
There was a time in Nigeria when a middle-class worker had a shot at life. With a decent civil service job, one could build a modest house, own a car, send children to private schools, and retire with some honour. That class—the buffer between the elite and the poor—has been drained into extinction.
Today, what remains is a trinity of economic extremes: *_The Very Rich, The Poor, and The Very Poor_*. According to recent NBS data, over 63% of Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty. Food inflation is at over 37%, transportation costs have doubled, and electricity tariffs have skyrocketed. How then can a ₦30,000—or even ₦70,000—wage be called minimum, let alone dignified?
While workers beg for survival, politicians swim in opulence. A senator earns ₦13.5 million monthly plus perks. A worker, meanwhile, earns less than a senator’s wardrobe allowance in a year. It is moral decay in high definition.
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Worse still, political officeholders send out May Day messages steeped in sympathy and false promises. These speeches are ritualistic distractions—reminders of their distance from the real issues. Many of these leaders have failed to implement wage policies, yet posture as friends of the worker.
The warning signs are glaring. If the plight of Nigerian workers remains unaddressed life expectancy will further drop; Nigeria is already among the lowest globally; the workforce will shrink—as young talents migrate or burn out; and the country will collapse into a cycle of survival slavery—a people working endlessly, not to live, but merely to exist.
Already, Nigerians are working two to three jobs, trading health and family for scraps. The concept of retirement is becoming mythical. The youth no longer dream, they hustle. The present is bleak, and the future is being bartered away.
Yet, despite it all, the Nigerian worker remains. Faithful. Resilient. Defiant. From teachers to drivers, nurses to cleaners, they carry the nation’s burden. They deserve not just applause—but justice. They have rebelled, not with arms, but with service.
But how long shall they tread on the winepress?
The time for sweet-tongued May Day speeches is over. What Nigeria needs is an immediate implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage across all states; a structured path to living wages indexed to inflation; full enforcement of labour laws and penalties for violations; and rebuilding the middle class through economic policy, credit access, and housing support.
Until then, the nation will continue to lose its soul. And Bob Marley’s cry will remain our eternal lament:
_“We refuse to be what you wanted us to be…_
_Yeah, we’ve been trodding on the winepress much too long… Rebel, rebel!”_
News
Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan
Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.
Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.
He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.
READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack
Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.
“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”
He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.
He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.
Watch the video here
News
Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint
Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.
The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.
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Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.
He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.
Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.
“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.
“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
News
Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.
READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central
According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.
“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”
Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.
READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration
He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.
“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”
In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.
The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.
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