Nigerian music star Iyanya has stood firm on his decision to gift ₦500,000 to a nurse who was publicly ridiculed for attending work during a nationwide nurses’ strike, insisting he is standing by his choice regardless of public opinion.
The situation began earlier this week when a video went viral showing a nurse, now identified as Mrs. Guobadia, being mocked by her colleagues for refusing to join the strike and continuing to work. Many viewers sympathized with the nurse’s commitment to her duties, while others argued that she was undermining the collective struggle for better conditions.
Moved by the viral clip, Iyanya took to X (formerly Twitter) and declared his intention to gift the nurse. “Can someone find her for me, I want to give her 500k,” he tweeted. “She is not a health care worker for the money but for human lives.”
The post ignited a heated debate online. Some users criticized Iyanya for rewarding what they called “bad behavior,” questioning why someone who refused to join a labor strike should be compensated. Responding to the backlash, Iyanya defended his position vigorously. “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?” he fired back. “She is an essential worker and she deserves some compensation. The way she was humiliated was wrong.”
Others urged the nurse to join her colleagues in fighting for their rights, but Iyanya pushed back, condemning the public shaming. “Who gave them the right to embarrass her the way they did? Is that still a way to fight for justice or their rights? Their behavior towards her was totally wrong, let’s accept that and stop justifying clear bullying.”
Hours later, Iyanya confirmed he had found Mrs. Guobadia and had spoken with her directly. “I found her. Her name is Mrs Guobadia and she has told me her own side of the story,” he posted. “I’ll give her the money. It’s my money and I felt led to gift her. I don’t care who agrees with me or not.”
Iyanya’s unwavering stance has fueled a wider conversation online, with supporters praising the nurse for staying true to her oath, while critics warn that such individual actions risk weakening collective efforts. Nevertheless, Iyanya remains resolute, emphasizing that his support is a personal choice rooted in compassion and integrity.
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