Jubilee of Workers: Akubeze calls for Dignity of Labour, Fair Treatment

*Akubeze Calls for Dignity of Labour, Fair Treatment on Workers Day* 

 *-By Ruben Mario Brodrick* 

Benin City, Edo State –May 1, 2025

 In a powerful homily delivered at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Archbishop Ekpu’s Way, Benin City, His Grace, Archbishop Augustine O. Akubeze, marked Workers' Day with a special "Jubilee of Hope for Workers, Entrepreneurs, and Artisans." 

The Archbishop’s message resonated deeply with the congregation, which included members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), entrepreneurs, artisans, and parishioners, emphasizing the inherent dignity of human labor and the urgent need for fair treatment and just compensation for all workers.

The celebration, coinciding with the feast day of St. Joseph the Worker, saw Archbishop Akubeze highlight the significance of work as a divine institution, allowing individuals to participate in God's creative plan. 

Drawing inspiration from the life of St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus and a carpenter by trade, the Archbishop underscored that holiness can be attained through diligent and honest work, not solely through religious vocation.

A significant portion of the homily addressed the growing societal issues of cybercrime, human trafficking, and fraud, lamenting the prioritization of quick, ill-gotten gains over the value of honest labor among some youths. Archbishop Akubeze called on parents and community leaders to instill in young people the importance of hard work, integrity, and ethical conduct, cautioning against the allure of unexplained wealth and idleness. He firmly stated, "How do you defraud others and expect God to bless you? How do you steal from others and expect to be satisfied?"

Turning his attention to the rights and well-being of workers, Archbishop Akubeze passionately advocated for fair treatment, just wages, and respect for the human dignity of every laborer. He urged the government and employers to ensure the timely payment of salaries, grant due promotions, and provide pensions for retirees. "Workers are not machines, but human beings deserving of respect, fairness, and justice," he declared, emphasizing the teachings of the Catholic Church against the oppression of the poor and the defrauding of laborers.

The Archbishop also addressed producers and sellers, condemning unethical practices such as tampering with fuel pumps and manipulating scales, labeling them as "sins against our common good" that exploit consumers. 

He stressed the importance of fairness, transparency, and accountability in all economic transactions.

Acknowledging the increasing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation,  Akubeze cautioned against the displacement of human workers, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human creativity, empathy, and critical thinking, particularly in sectors like healthcare, education, and social services. He stated that AI should complement, not replace, human labor.

Reflecting on the day's scripture readings,  Akubeze highlighted the divine mandate to work and find rest, urging workers to utilize the public holiday for rejuvenation and quality time with loved ones. 

He also drew attention to Jesus' own background as "the carpenter's son," illustrating the dignity inherent in even seemingly humble professions.

Concluding his homily,  Akubeze reiterated that "there is dignity in Labour," referencing Jesus' own experience as a carpenter as a potential preparation for his ultimate redemptive work. He encouraged all present to view their daily work as a stepping stone towards God's greater plan, urging them to approach their tasks with faith, hope, and love.

The Jubilee of Hope celebration served as a powerful reminder of the Church's commitment to social justice and the well-being of all workers, entrepreneurs, and artisans in Benin City and beyond.

 Archbishop Akubeze's stirring message left attendees with a renewed sense of the value of their labor and a hopeful call for a more just and equitable society.