Popular Nigerian singer Iyanya has pledged a cash reward of ₦500,000 to a nurse who her colleagues ridiculed for reporting to work during a national strike by health professionals.
The emotional moment, captured in a viral video, showed an elderly nurse being taunted by fellow nurses for choosing her duty post over participating in the ongoing industrial action organized by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).
The nationwide strike, launched in protest against poor welfare, unpaid allowances, and substandard working conditions in federal healthcare institutions, left hospitals understaffed and patients stranded.
Despite this, the nurse in question chose to show up to work — a move that sparked both outrage and admiration online.
Iyanya Responds: “She’s in It for Human Lives, Not Money”
Reacting to the video on X (formerly Twitter), Iyanya condemned the humiliation the nurse endured and announced his intention to gift her ₦500K for her unwavering dedication.
“Can someone find her for me, I want to give her 500k. She is not a healthcare worker for the money but for human lives,” he wrote.
However, not everyone supported the gesture.
One social media user commented:
“Why do some Nigerians love rewarding bad behavior???”
Iyanya fired back:
“What’s your definition of bad behavior?
A nurse decided not to go on strike so she can save lives — being at work is bad behavior to you?
She is an essential worker and she deserves some compensation. The way she was humiliated was wrong.
Find her for me, I have 500k for her immediately.”
Social Media Reactions: A Nation Divided
Iyanya’s stance has divided public opinion. While many applauded him for appreciating frontline heroes, others argued that individual decisions like hers weaken the collective bargaining power of unions fighting for systemic change.
A supporter wrote: “This woman is the true meaning of service. Iyanya, you did well!”
A critic countered: “This isn’t about saving lives. This is why unions can’t make progress — people like her sabotage the fight.”
A Bigger Conversation: Loyalty vs. Solidarity
The viral video and Iyanya’s gesture have sparked a national debate on professional ethics versus labor solidarity, especially in essential sectors like healthcare.
