The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) holds 6th African Continental conference of solidarity with Cuba in Abuja . The major agenda of the conference is to a chart a course for the liberation of Cuba that has been under siege from the United States of America for decades. Speaking at the event, the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba said the meeting is in solidarity to the Cuban people who have been suppressed, oppressed and marginalized by imperialist governments. He thanked everyone especially the Nigerian workers and the downtrodden for their supports as they have sacrificed their meager resources for the sustainability of the struggle for Cuba.
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The labour Titan who doubled as the co-chairman for the event, noted that the essence of the meeting is to reemphasize and consolidate the relationship between Cuba and Africa. In addition, he said the international outburst is geared towards respecting the rights and constitutionality of Cubans. He enthused that going by the level of participation from various countries at the event, Cuba solidarity is boldly expressed. The labour leader further stated that the role played by Cuba in the liberation of many African countries without self benefit is worthy of note, including her intervention during Ebola outbreak in some African countries.
In term of peace keeping, he noted that Cuba sent their soldiers to Angola, Zimbabwe, Algeria, and other African countries at her expense. According to him “Cuba saw in Africa brotherhood and sisterhood with a shared identity”. He said “it is this beautiful heart of Cuba that we are here to celebrate”. According to him, one of the major lesson to learn from Cuba is selfless service as against man inhumanity to man that have characterized most African countries. He went further to say the xenophobia or Afrophobia attacks would not have found it roots if we had shared humanity as examplfied by Cuba. He called on progressives, workers and artisans to continue to synergize for the betterment of mankind. He enjoined the delegates to have a taste of Nigeria hospitality.
In the same vain, chairman of the occasion, Prof Dipo Fasina said, the similarities between Cuba and Nigeria is enough to deepen our empathy for one another.
Also speaking at the event was the minister for science and technology, Dr Ogbonaya Onu. The minister said the event is ‘dear’ to Nigeria as a country and to him as an individual. He used the opportunity to thank the Labour Union for acknowledging the role and sacrifices of Cuba to Nigeria and Africa. He went further to say that raising the consciousness of Nigeria to the plights of Cuba was a healthy development as he believed the closeness between both countries to be divinely orchestrated.
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Hanna Luwisa Bisu, former Ghanian Deputy minister of Agriculture, speaking unbehalf of former President John Grahama, stated that the conference is timely given the current realities. He thanked everyone for their solidarity to Cuba. He further stated that Cuba’s concern for the elimination of malaria in Africa is against the backdrop of hegemonic centers around the world.
Member of Parliament, Christine Hops from Namibia, said the conference will reaffirm and renew commitment to a united course which is the liberation of Cuba as they have done same for Namibia in the past.
Also speaking, Former Ghanaian President whose speech was read said, Cuba should be allowed to chose their political path.
Nigerian lawyer and human right activist, Femi Falana, insisted on the need for Africans to learn dignity, self reliance and sound character from Cuba who have remained unperturbed in the face of adversities. He said “African leaders must go beyond praising Cuba to imitating their values”. According to him, “Cuba is a perfect example of humanism” even as he encouraged the movement to defeat forces of blockade. He reechoed the need for moral education as it concerns xenophobia. About 19 countries are participating in the ongoing conference that is billed for 23-25 with a view to addressing some of the challenges bedeviling Cuba.
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