Iyanya gifts N500K to nurse mocked for working during strike

Popular Nigerian singer, Iyanya, has expressed his intention to reward a nurse who defied the ongoing national strike by health workers to report for duty. This act of dedication by the nurse, however, drew criticism and mockery from her fellow colleagues who were participating in the strike action.

Gistreel recalls that just days ago, nurses across Nigeria embarked on a nationwide strike to protest against several unaddressed grievances. Their demands include improved welfare, equitable allowances, and enhanced working conditions in federal health institutions. The strike is part of a broader effort by healthcare professionals to push for reforms in the sector, which they argue has suffered long-term neglect.

Iyanya.
A video making the rounds online captures an emotional scene in which an elderly nurse is confronted and ridiculed by her co-workers for refusing to participate in the strike. Despite their harsh words and mocking attitude, she remained at her post, determined to fulfill her duties to patients in need.

The viral video moved Iyanya, who took to social media to express his admiration for the nurse’s courage and selflessness. The singer announced his desire to gift her a cash reward of ₦500,000 as a token of appreciation for her commitment to saving lives despite peer pressure and professional backlash.

In his words, Iyanya said …

“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.”

However, not everyone shared Iyanya’s sentiment. The gesture sparked mixed reactions online. Some netizens criticized the singer’s decision, arguing that he was indirectly encouraging the violation of a collective bargaining process. They pointed out that strike actions are meant to pressure authorities into action and that any attempt to undermine such unity could weaken the cause.

One netizen commented …

“Why do some Nigerians love rewarding bad behavior???”

Responding to the backlash, Iyanya defended his position, insisting that the nurse deserved recognition rather than condemnation. He emphasized that her decision to remain on duty was not an act of defiance, but one of service and compassion.

He replied …

“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.”

Check out the post below …

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

Source: JustNaija | Continue to Full Story…