Nigerian singer Iyanya has stirred conversations online after pledging to reward a nurse who chose to remain at work despite an ongoing strike by the Nursing Association of Nigeria.
The nurse, whose identity has yet to be confirmed, was reportedly called out by a colleague for refusing to join the strike action.
The incident sparked debate on social media, with some viewing her decision as an act of selflessness and others criticising it as undermining the strike movement.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Iyanya expressed admiration for the nurse’s dedication to saving lives, insisting that her actions deserved recognition rather than public shaming. Quoting the post, the Kukere hitmaker wrote:
“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.”
When a user, @The_Chidimma, questioned why Nigerians reward what she called “bad behavior,” Iyanya was quick to respond. He clapped 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.”
Iyanya’s gesture has divided opinions online. Supporters hail it as a commendable move to appreciate selflessness in a profession often underpaid and overworked.
Critics, however, argue that by rewarding the nurse, he risks sending a message that undermines the collective bargaining power of strikes. See clip and diverse opinions from netizens below:
@Stainlesz05 wrote: you are good person.
@ogunmusi wrote: What about the better working conditions that her colleagues are demanding for? What about the fact they should have to treat anyone with tools bought 30 years ago? What about the Fact that they all deserve something better to feed their families? Iyanya You are very Stupid.
@flourish007 wrote: Having money is one thing; having the mental capacity to spend it wisely is another. The nursing association is advocating for better pay and working conditions in their industry. Yet, one member chose to undermine their collective goals, and you opted to reward such reckless behaviour, abandoning all reason. This is a classic divide-and-rule tactic often employed by rogue politicians to sabotage citizens. Ultimately, it’s your money, and you’re free to use it as you please.
@Ithearikebrand wrote: All of you blaming @Iyanya for wanting to reward this woman,most of you are selective hypocrites. How many nationwide protests have you joined? If everyone in the health care system decides to go on strike,who would take care of the people that are sick? Wisdom is profitable sha
@Nna__Emeka wrote: You should have just aligned with federal government and pay the nurses 500k each mumu. You want to reward someone for going against her Union’s directive.
@FelixNweke wrote: For people who think that our celebrities are bright can take this one as an example. You want to reward bad behavior. If your wife is a nurse or your mother would you encourage her to work for a peanut because she’s a care worker.
@the_reaL_DVC wrote: You are very silly, that’s how you people continue destroying this country, if there’s no nurse there should be other healthcare professionals, strike wey other professionals Dey run, why don’t u lend ur voice so that nurses get paid rightly, cloutinho. Nigeria irks me.
@ademi_nokan wrote: That job is that woman’s life and it shows. Humiliating her in that manner is wrong even if she err in a way, there is always a better approach to issues. I am supporting her with N100k too. Let’s find her !
