By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
A NATIONAWIDE public holiday has been declared for Thursday as Nigeria gears up to celebrate Workers’ Day, a tribute to the nation’s workforce and their enduring contributions to development.
The announcement came on Tuesday from the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who praised Nigerian workers for their “diligence and sacrifice.”
He described them as a critical force in both internal progress and external recognition, highlighting their role in nation-building.
“Dignity in labour,” the minister affirmed, “is not just a principle but a national ethos.”
He urged citizens to see their daily work—across sectors—as the backbone of Nigeria’s economic and industrial aspirations.
While extending his wishes for a joyful Workers’ Day celebration, Tunji-Ojo stressed that peace remains essential to driving the country’s industrialisation and unlocking long-term economic growth.
He encouraged workers to embrace innovation and heighten productivity, asserting that a culture of excellence would uplift not only governance but also ensure equitable access to national wealth and resources.
Reassuring citizens of the government’s commitment, Tunji-Ojo noted that the current administration under President Bola Tinubu remains focused on securing lives and property, including those of foreigners within Nigeria.
He linked this assurance to the administration’s broader Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Let us keep hope alive,” Tunji-Ojo concluded, calling on workers to continue raising the standard of their professions and reaffirming the government’s dedication to improving citizens’ welfare through strong labour values and governance reform.
FG DECLARES 1ST MAY, 2025 PUBLIC HOLIDAY
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, 1st May, 2025 as a public holiday to mark this year’s Workers’ Day Celebration.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government reiterated the need for peace to drive industrialization and economic growth.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo commended workers for their diligence and sacrifice. He noted that workers’ efforts are largely responsible for the greatness of the country and the respect Nigeria commands in the comity of nations.
According to the Minister, ”There is dignity in labour; the dedication and commitment to the work we do, is vital to nation-building”. He therefore urged workers to imbibe the culture of innovation and productivity.
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo encouraged workers to raise the bar of their trade to drive and upgrade the bar of governance and make all the people of Nigeria derive maximum benefit from the nation’s wealth.
He assured Nigerians that, “this Administration is fully committed to the security of life and property of every citizen and foreigners in the country.”
While wishing workers a happy celebration, the Honourable Minister urged Nigerians to keep hope alive as the present administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda he has promised.
Signed:
Dr. Magdalene Ajani,
Permanent Secretary,
29th April, 2025.