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Iyanya pledges N500K to nurse mocked by colleagues for coming to work despite the nationwide strike
Popular Nigerian singer Iyanya has stepped forward to support a nurse who faced mockery from her colleagues for reporting to duty during a recent nationwide strike by nurses.
The strike, launched by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, was aimed at demanding improved welfare packages, better working conditions, and fair allowances in federal health institutions. Amid the industrial action, a video surfaced online showing an elderly nurse being confronted and ridiculed by fellow health workers for not participating in the strike.
Moved by the clip, Iyanya took to social media to express sympathy and offered a cash reward of ₦500,000 to the nurse, praising her commitment to saving lives despite peer pressure and public backlash.
“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. Someone find her for me please,” Iyanya posted.
Can someone find her for me, I want to give her 500k. She is not a health care worker for the money but for human lives.
Someone find her for me please. https://t.co/AhUhKq6Mw1— its iyanyaaaaaa 🦁 (@Iyanya) August 2, 2025
However, the gesture stirred mixed reactions online. Some social media users criticized the offer, arguing that supporting someone who defied a collective union action could undermine the goals of the strike.
One user commented:
“Why do some Nigerians love rewarding bad behavior???”
Iyanya, however, responded firmly, defending his decision:
“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, and the way she was humiliated was wrong. Find her for me, I have 500k for her immediately.”
The incident has reignited debate over ethics, loyalty to professional unions, and the responsibilities of frontline health workers during periods of national unrest.
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, and the way she was humiliated was wrong.
Find her for me, I have 500k for her… https://t.co/hBeEJL3sGs— its iyanyaaaaaa 🦁 (@Iyanya) August 2, 2025