Humanity's Collective Voice Found Expression Through One Individual, by Owei Lakemfa

On Thursday, August 13, 2026, the world commemorated the centenary of Fidel Castro Ruz, a legendary Cuban revolutionary, with various countries, movements, and groups marking the occasion.

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Despite passing away on November 25, 2016, Fidel Castro's ideas about a better world and humanity continue to spread, making him a relevant figure today and tomorrow.

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In Nigeria, a gathering was held at the Nigeria Labour Congress, the largest labour centre in Africa, to commemorate Fidel Castro's centenary, with workers, professionals, and activists in attendance.

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The event, which filled the conference hall and overflowed to the upper chambers, featured participants sharing their insights on the essential Fidel Castro, with the speaker reflecting on Fidel's humanist side and his ability to survive over 600 assassination plots by the US Central Intelligence Agency.

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The speaker also recalled the dove that landed on Fidel's shoulder upon his arrival in Havana, as well as the African funeral ceremony held for him in Lagos, where he was regarded as an African ancestor.

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Salisu Nuhu Mohammed, the National Chair Person of the Nigeria Solidarity Movement with Cuba, described Fidel as one of the most outstanding personalities of the 20th century, who dedicated his life to a better humanity and led the first successful revolution in the Western hemisphere.

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Mohammed noted that Cuba, despite being a small country, has withstood US challenges and pressures that would have collapsed other nations, and that the current US blockade is designed to "deny Cubans oxygen."

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He emphasized that the American leaders will fail, saying "They may wake up very early, but the Cuban Revolution does not sleep," and added that "Cuba has shown Africa solidarity, it is now time for Africa to show Cuba solidarity."

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NLC President Joe Ajaero, represented by Comrade Eche Asuzu, called on the US and its allies to lift their restrictions on the Cuban people, stating that Cubans have the right to determine their own future.

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The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, the second-largest labour centre in Africa, expressed solidarity with the Cuban people, who are being forced to endure a nightmare due to US actions, including the denial of access to fuel and electricity.

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The TUC noted that thousands of Cuban children have died as a direct consequence of the US blockade, which was tightened on January 29, 2026, and emphasized that the Fidel Centenary serves as a reminder of the need for unity in the face of American attacks.

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Comrade Martins Egbanubi, representing the TUC, highlighted Cuba's progress in areas like medicine and its provision of medical aid to other countries, including the production and distribution of Covid-19 vaccines.

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The TUC called on the United Nations to hold the US accountable for its actions against Cuba, stating that it is time for the world to rise in defence of humanity.

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Senator Shehu Sani paid tribute to Comrade Abiodun 'Aremson' Aremu, a prominent Fidelistas in Nigeria, who passed away on October 10, 2025, and warned that "If Cuba falls, we all fall," emphasizing the importance of Cuba as a test of collective morality and humanity.

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Senator Sani argued that the charges brought against Raul Castro by the US are bogus and designed to persecute him and the Cuban people, and promised to introduce a bill on the Cuban situation if he wins the 2027 Kaduna Central Senatorial elections.

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Ambassador Brahim S. Busseif of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic praised Fidel as a great leader and a symbol of international solidarity, recalling Cuba's provision of medical aid to the Saharawi people when they were attacked by Morocco with napalm bombs.

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Veteran human rights activist and columnist Aminu Habibu Jahun shared his experience of being exposed to Fidel's ideas as a student and submitted that the current US aggression against Cuba is a result of their failure to kill Fidel.

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The Nigeria-Cuba Graduates Association, through its President Dr Audu Onuche, issued a declaration highlighting Fidel's significant contributions to medicine, particularly in the training of doctors from various continents.

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Labor internationalist Baba Aye, visiting from Europe, discussed how Fidel's ideas influenced Nigerian students and inspired popular songs like "Freedom comes by struggle," and emphasized the need for solidarity with Cuba.

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Cuban Ambassador Miriam Morales Palmero stated that the year-long celebration of Fidel's centenary serves to reaffirm respect for his ideals and example, which championed independence, sovereignty, and dignity for humanity.

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Ambassador Morales Palmero added that Fidel's legacy calls upon people to defend sovereignty, practice international solidarity, and foster values of justice and ethics in a world where selfishness, war, and injustice are resurging.

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In Cuba, the First International Colloquium on the Centenary was held with the theme "Fidel: Legacy and Future," bringing together over 1,500 participants, including 900 international delegates from 63 countries.

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This week, the world has come together to commemorate Fidel Castro, the revolutionary who could not be killed, with his legacy continuing to inspire and unite people across the globe.