By Palma Ileye
Young Christian Workers, YCM, of the Archdiocese of Lagos, has called for a sustainable reward system in the workplace.
This was disclosed in YCM press release issued stating that, “As The Young Christian Workers Movement Of Archdiocese Of Lagos mark their 20th Workers Day, every 1st of May, it is a special day for workers all over the world as they are being celebrated.
“The Young Christian Workers Movement of Lagos Archdiocese usually celebrates theirs in a unique way. This year was not different as they mark the 20th of this celebration with the theme Sustainable Reward System in the Workplace under the new leadership of Comrade Maureen Ogamba.
“The workers came out in their numbers from 13 deaneries that cuts across the entire LGA in Lagos State.
“This years May day was hosted by Ikeja deanery and it was held at Catholic Church of the Ascension, Airport, Ikeja.
“The event filled day started with a thanksgiving Mass for all the workers and it was being graced by His grace most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins (DD) Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos as the chief host ably represented by Very Rev.Monsignor Obanla the Lagos Archdiocesan Chancellor and the YCW Archdiocesan Chaplain Rev. Fr. Samuel Emeneogu also with the host Parish Priest, Rev, Fr. Jerome Omoregie.
“In the Archbishop’s keynote address he thanked God for bringing all the workers together safely and he said indeed they have come in order to learn from the example of Christ who learnt his father’s trade and also from St.Joseph who showed us an example of dignity and honour in labour.
“On the theme of the day, he said a sustainable reward system is an ongoing journey rather than a destination. It requires continuous evaluation, adaptation and improvement to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in a rapidly changing world.”
He also said it encompasses monetary compensation, comprehensive recognition, development opportunities, work-life balance initiative and supportive organizational culture.
He said the heart of the Catholic social teaching lies a profound concern for the well-being of all individuals, especially the marginalized and vulnerable. Central to this was the principle of human dignity, which emphasized the intrinsic worth and value of every person.
Stating that the principle underscored the importance of treating employees with respect, fairness and dignity in all aspects of employment, including compensation and rewards.
He added, “As leaders, employers and employees, young Christian workers and indeed, the work force of our nation and the church, it is incumbent upon you to champion the principles of sustainability in all aspect of organizational life, including our approach to rewarding and recognizing employees.”
In a chart with the President Comrade Maureen Ogamba, she congratulated every worker on the occasion of their Day.
Ogamba encouraged them saying, “To always be an agent of positive change wherever they find themselves no to injustice and have courage to fight it. On the theme, she said we are called to embody the principles of justice, solidarity and stewardship in all aspect of our lives. Including our professional endeavours. Today, pursuit of profit often comes at the detriment of the well-being of workers.”
She said a sustainable reward system goes beyond immediate gratification or compensation; it fosters long-term growth, fair wage, access to healthcare, a healthy work life balance and inclusivity. It promotes a culture of collaboration, empathy and stewardship, aligning with our Christian principles of love, fairness and compassion for one another.
She encouraged workers to actively participate, engage in meaningful dialogue and glean valuable insight that we can carry forward to make tangible impacts in our respective workplace and community.
After the Mass came an endurance walk around the airport passing through the Toll gate and back into the venue with workers carrying various plaque cards with inscriptions on worker’s welfare, workers right, governance and morals in the society.
At the venue, each deanery took turn to match in their coulourful uniforms and esthetics as Festac deanery emerged the winner just like they did last year and they went home with the Sum of Fifty thousand Naira, while Isolo Deanery took 2nd position and went home with thirty thousand Naira and Surulere Deanery came 3rd position also went home with the Sum of twenty thousand Naira only.
The weather was favorable as the sun did not shine nor did it rain. Other games came to play like couple’s game which the winner went home with a hundred thousand naira, sack race and so on. The workers indeed had a fun filled day as they say all work and no play makes jack a dull boy.
