By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.

As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark International Workers’ Day, the Programme Director of Better Nigeria in Practice of Good Conduct, Bamidele Olarenwaju, described the nation’s development as a “continuous relay race,” urging workers to sustain momentum toward national growth.

Speaking at a commemorative event, Olarenwaju praised retirees for laying a solid foundation for the country and called on those still in active service to embrace ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“The journey towards a better Nigeria is a continuous relay race,” he said. “To those still in service, embrace reforms with renewed vigor.

To our retirees, we thank you for the foundation you laid—your wisdom remains vital to national development.”

He emphasized that contributions from both public and private sector workers form the backbone of the nation, noting that Nigerian workers have historically driven resilience—from post-independence infrastructure development to sustaining key sectors such as education, healthcare, and skilled trades.

According to him, the current “Renewed Hope” era requires a renewed commitment to transparency, efficiency, and patriotism. He highlighted the growing importance of collaboration between government regulators and private sector innovators in achieving economic recovery and strengthening national pride.

The event, themed “Celebrating the Impact of Nigerian Workers in Public and Private Sectors in the Past and Under the Renewed Hope Administration,” featured a grand reception, induction, and recognition of outstanding workers across sectors.

In a keynote address, Professor Lateef Oladimeji Sanni, Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, urged workers to plan early for retirement.

He advised potential retirees to understand their pension schemes and invest in small-scale businesses, shares, or real estate to ensure financial stability.

Sanni also proposed structural reforms, including pre-retirement training programs and partnerships with institutions like the Bank of Industry and agricultural agencies, to support workers transitioning into entrepreneurship.

He suggested flexible work arrangements that would allow employees nearing retirement to develop business ventures while still in service.

One of the awardees, Sunday Ayodele, recently retired from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, expressed gratitude for the recognition and encouraged Nigerian workers to remain steadfast and committed to national development.

The celebration underscored the enduring role of Nigerian workers as the driving force behind the country’s progress, both in the past and in the ongoing pursuit of a more prosperous future.