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Food for Living: The Dignity of Labour
By Henry Ukazu
Greetings Friends,
I will begin today’s article with a question: What do you stand for in life?
While it is not compulsory you have to answer the question now, it is imperative you take some time to think about it. So, please take a minute or two to evaluate this breath-taking question.
I asked this question because it will go a long way to defining you, in addition to expressing the kind of life you truly want to live.
If you had taken time to reflect on the above question, I want to inform you that you need courage to make your dreams come true. In order to truly live the kind of life you want to be remembered for when you depart this world to the land of the unknown, I charge you therefore, to do a sober reflection and ask yourself if you have the courage and integrity to truly live the kind of life you desire. You must remember that no individual, organization, company, community can survive in isolation, let alone prosper. They are bound to depend on the manual labour of farmers, industrial employees, construction workers, miners, and other innumerable men and women who toil to complement everyone’s day-to-day living.
According to Lao Tzu “Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.” In my humble opinion and understanding, one of the unspoken words Lao Tzu is trying to tell us in this quote is that one of the ways to succeed in life is by knowing what you stand for and also, know how to articulate your vision and mission in order to achieve the set goals. Another line of thought I will like to attend to in this quote pertains to integrity and dignity because for you to truly succeed in life, you must stand for something or die for nothing. The question now is, what are you willing to stand or die for? Are you willing to stand up for a cause you believe in?
It should be noted that your reputation is what people think about you, and your character is who you are. Character, courage, and integrity can be categorized as some of the most defining traits or characteristics that can define a man. According to Martin Luther King, Jr. “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy”. It’s pertinent to note that the unspoken words of Martin Luther Jr lie in integrity and dignity in addition to standing for whatever you believe in regardless of societal pressure. It is in the light of this quote we shall be discussing the dignity of labour.
What truly is the dignity of labor? Dignity of labor simply means the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect of whatever work you are doing. If you will agree with me, it is always good to be busy because an idle man is a devils workshop. Progressive mind likes to work in order to solve the challenges facing them. Dignity of labor also has the underlying philosophy that all decent jobs should be respected equally, and no occupation should be considered superior. It doesn’t matter if you are the President, C.E.O, manager, security officer, janitor, or even house cleaner, no job should be considered superior or inferior. Therefore, it advisable for everybody to adopt the Ubuntu policy in order to function in unison.
I likened the dignity of labor to the human body because no human part is superior to the other. If the brain or eyes decides it has more value than the anus, the anus can decide to prevent any bowel from leaving the anus for three days and the whole body will be uncomfortable. We shall be discussing dignity of labor as it relates to dignifying humanity and how it can boost our self esteem. It should be noted that no work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance should be taken undertaken with painstaking excellence.
In our contemporary society, many people seem to have less regard for integrity, dignity, and dignity of work due to how our society has relegated those traits and standards of living. This category of people has been brainwashed by what the society made them feel and this thought seems to have eroded their common sense and common sense. According to these beings, you are judged by your salary and position/title at work. These set of interesting people seems to go with what’s trending or what’s in vogue.
Another set of individuals I will like to mention here are the hardworking individuals who are doing their best by working decent menial jobs just to put food on the table for their loved ones in addition to taking care of responsibilities by staying away from dubious means of making money like dealing on drugs, and internet fraud, just to mention a few. These are the people I can MVP’s because they are not influenced by the standard of the society. It’s worthy to note that every worthy job you have ever had has a corresponding role and worthy experience that it leaves you with if you think out of the box.
Let me share a personal experience with you, during my formative years in USA, I had the humble opportunity of working several jobs, but of particular interest was being a security officer. Despite working in consulting companies, law firms as an intern and legal assistant, none gave me the real fulfillment I really needed to jump-start a career. It was during one of my job as a security officer in New York City I got the inspiration to write a book, I can vividly remember when my security license expired and I had to stay off work for about two weeks. I used the opportunity to complete the process of writing my book. The moral of this message is that assuming I was working for a big corporation, I may not have had sufficient time to research and publish my book the way I did when I was working as a security officer. Again, ordinarily I would have felt bad working as a security officer, but the job later turned out to be the icing on my cake because it gave me the time to research for my book and also the opportunity of meeting other great resourceful during networking events and these great minds have turned out to be great assets to me. Moral: Never you despise humble beginnings.
That being said, regardless of what you are currently going through now. I have one word for you, hang in there, and appreciate the experience you are gaining because they will all add up at the end of the day. Don’t allow the craze for money, social media stunts seeking validation to have any atom of psychological effect on you. There’s always light at the end of the tunnel if you play by the rules, have a positive mental attitude and work smart.
Let’s discuss a little about the types of labor
- Skilled labor and unskilled labor: Skilled labor requires workers to possess specific talents that are utilized within an industry to highly technical activities and unskilled labor refers to workers who lack technical training and expertise. Both are necessary for success to see the light of the day.
- Physical labor: This is the type of labor in which the laborer uses his physical exertion to complete a task. Mental laboris a type of labor in which the laborer uses mental efforts to complete a task. For example, technocrats.
In conclusion, I will strongly advise, every working man/woman to look upon yourself with respect, be honest, industrious, with grace in your speech and conduct, and never give yourself a thought about the work you are doing. Appreciate the work because it can pave a way for greater opportunities if you have the right attitude.
Henry Ukazu writes from New York. He works with New York City Department of Correction as the legal Coordinator. He’s the author of the acclaimed book Design Your Destiny – Actualizing Your Birthright To Success
Wema Bank has introduced a new jingle to mark the next phase of its digital banking journey, tagged the ALAT: The Evolution jingle. Designed to capture the energy of a smarter and more seamless banking experience, the jingle is bright, catchy, and full of life. It reflects a platform built to simply work, pairing sound with innovation as ALAT: The Evolution steps forward with enhanced features and a refreshed user experience.
Everyday banking can often feel routine or even stressful, with multiple steps and delays slowing things down. The ALAT: The Evolution jingle reimagines that experience with a lively and confident tone that mirrors the app’s capabilities. From voice banking with SAW to Tap and Pay and bank uptime prediction, each feature is echoed in the rhythm and flow of the sound. It brings to life the speed, convenience, and reliability that define this new phase of ALAT: The Evolution.
More than just music, the ALAT: The Evolution jingle represents a clear statement of intent. It signals a shift towards banking that feels natural, responsive, and in tune with the user. As customers update their app and explore ALAT: The Evolution, the jingle serves as a reminder that a better, smoother way to bank is already here. Wema Bank is not just evolving its technology; it is shaping how banking feels.
Adron Homes and Properties Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and fostering community development through its sponsorship of the 39th edition of the Lisabi Festival, one of the most revered cultural celebrations of the Egba people.
Held under the distinguished leadership of Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the festival remains a symbolic institution that celebrates the unity, resilience, and historical legacy of Egbaland. It pays tribute to the legendary warrior Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, whose courage and leadership united the Egba people and secured their freedom.
Through this strategic sponsorship, Adron Homes and Properties Limited continues to position itself not only as a leading real estate developer but also as a custodian of culture and a partner in sustaining the traditions that shape communities across Nigeria.
Speaking on the importance of the festival, Oba Gbadebo emphasized that Lisabi serves as a vital platform for preserving the Egba people’s values, traditions, and identity, while inspiring younger generations to remain connected to their cultural roots.
For Adron Homes, the partnership reflects a deliberate alignment with the socio-cultural aspirations of Egbaland. By supporting the festival, the company is contributing meaningfully to the preservation of indigenous heritage, the promotion of unity, and the celebration of a people whose influence continues to shape the cultural landscape of Abeokuta and beyond.
Notably, Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State is also home to key Adron Homes developments, including the prestigious Adron Homes Sunrise Park and Gardens located in Alabata, and Southgate Park and Gardens Estate in Alamala. These flagship estates further reinforce the company’s deep-rooted presence and long-term investment in the socio-economic growth of the region.
The 2026 edition of the Lisabi Festival, themed “Integrating Apprenticeship Training into Education: Opportunities and Challenges,” highlights the intersection between tradition and modern development, an area where Adron Homes continues to make an impact through its community-driven initiatives.
The festival will feature a vibrant lineup of cultural and social activities, including the iconic Woro procession, traditional rites, arts and crafts exhibitions, educational programmes, and community engagements, all reflecting the richness of Egba heritage.
By Oki O. Samson
In what is already generating significant grassroots political momentum across Surulere, immediate past Executive Chairman of Coker-Aguda LCDA, Hon. Rasaq Ibrahim Olamilekan, popularly known as RIO, has officially declared his intention to contest for the Lagos State House of Assembly seat representing Surulere Constituency II.
The declaration, made on Saturday, March 21, 2026, positions the youthful and widely regarded grassroots mobilizer and a party loyalist as a strong contender in the evolving political landscape of Lagos State.
At the official declaration on Saturday morning, supporters, community leaders, youth groups, and political stakeholders gathered in large numbers to witness what has been described as the formal transition of a tested local administrator into state-level legislative politics.
A Grassroots Politician with Development Credentials
Hon. Olamilekan’s entry into the race is backed by a track record that spans infrastructure renewal, social welfare interventions, education support, and community-driven security initiatives during his tenure as Council Executive Chairman.
Described by admirers as detribalized and accessible, RIO built a reputation for inclusive governance for all tribes, implementing policies and programs that cut across religious, ethnic, and political divides. His administration’s interventions ranged from road construction and drainage systems to healthcare upgrades and youth empowerment schemes.
In the area of healthcare, his government reconstructed the Orile-Iganmu Primary Healthcare Centre and facilitated multiple medical outreaches in collaboration with the Lagos State Health Management Agency, bringing free medical services closer to residents in underserved communities.
Security Advocacy, Peacebuilding and Policy Direction
A major highlight of his public service profile is his consistent advocacy for sustainable security funding and community peacebuilding. Speaking at an event marking his induction as Patron of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Southwest Nigeria in 2024, Hon. RIO emphasized the need for a maintenance culture in security investments.
“Buying equipment is not enough,” he noted. “We must make deliberate provisions for maintenance to ensure long-term effectiveness of support to the Nigeria Police Force.”
During his tenure, he provided operational vehicles for Police formations and institutionalized monthly security meetings with Divisional Police Officers and other community stakeholders. These measures were noted to have improved safety coordination across the LCDA and were largely applauded by the community, the Media industry.
His collaboration with security leadership, including engagements with former Lagos Commissioner of Police, CP Idowu Owohunwa, further reinforced his administration’s proactive approach to tackling crime and improving public safety infrastructure.
Beyond institutional support, Hon. Olamilekan also demonstrated a firm commitment to peace and conflict resolution at the community level. Following incidents of unrest in Orile Iganmu, a densely populated community and cultural hub hosting the National Theatre, he convened a high-level security stakeholders’ meeting involving community leaders, law enforcement agencies, and transport union representatives.
The engagement led to the inauguration of an Enquiry and Peace Taskforce Committee tasked with addressing recurring street clashes in areas such as Awe, Aloko, Alagba, and Memudu streets. The committee, working with the council’s security architecture, was mandated to develop recommendations and drive a comprehensive sensitization campaign across the LCDA.
Describing peace as a collective responsibility, the former Chairman stressed that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of security and mutual coexistence.
Social Intervention and Community Impact
Hon. RIO’s leadership gained widespread attention and commendation from political party leaders during the post-fuel subsidy removal period, when his administration rolled out sustained palliative distributions. Over a six-month period, thousands of residents comprising youths, widows, elderly citizens, and vulnerable groups benefited from food and financial support initiatives.
Unlike many local governments criticized for slow response, Coker-Aguda LCDA under Hon. RIO leadership executed multiple phases of relief distribution, reaching over 12,000 residents. The initiative was widely praised by party leaders, community stakeholders for its transparency, inclusiveness, and consistency.
Recognition and Rising Political Profile
His governance style and impact earned him several accolades, including his induction into the prestigious Trek Africa Hall of Fame as Youth Man of the Year. The recognition placed him alongside notable figures such as Secretary to State Government, Lagos State, Barr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin and Executive Secretary/CEO, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, underscoring his growing influence within Lagos’ political and governance ecosystem.
His emergence as one of the youngest local government chairmen in Lagos helped position him as a symbol of youth inclusion in governance and a bridge between established political structures and the next generation of leaders.
Legislative Vision for Surulere II
In declaring his candidacy, Hon. Olamilekan RIO pledged to take his grassroots governance experience to the legislative arena, with a focus on people-oriented laws, improved infrastructure funding, education access, and community-based security frameworks.
He emphasized that his campaign would be driven by direct engagement with constituents, policy clarity, and a commitment to delivering measurable outcomes.
With a blend of administrative experience, party loyalist, grassroots appeal, and a demonstrable commitment to peace and development, political observers believe his candidacy could significantly shape the contest for Surulere Constituency II.
As the political season gathers pace, attention will be on how his entry reshapes alignments within the constituency and influences the broader dynamics of legislative elections in Lagos State.
