Abuja, August 13 2026. — More than 200 people gathered at the theatre of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Africa’s largest trade union centre, for an emotional political and cultural event organized by the Cuba Solidarity Movement in Nigeria to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, historic leader of the Cuban Revolution.
The event brought together a broad representation of Nigerian society and the international community accredited in the country, including members of the diplomatic corps from Ghana, Brazil, Algeria, Angola, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Venezuela, Mexico and Zimbabwe, as well as Cuban graduates in Nigeria, members of the Cuba Solidarity Movement, trade union representatives, workers from different sectors, intellectuals, journalists, and friends of Cuba and the Cuban Revolution.
The gathering provided an important opportunity to remember the life and legacy of Fidel Castro, as well as his contribution to the defence of sovereignty, independence and self-determination of peoples, his commitment to international solidarity, and his particularly close relationship with the peoples of Africa.
Among the distinguished speakers was Senator Shehu Sani, a renowned human rights activist, author and playwright, widely known for his advocacy for democracy and his leadership of the Civil Rights Congress of Nigeria. Throughout the event, speakers highlighted the international dimension of Fidel Castro’s thought and actions, whose influence transcended Cuba’s borders to become a reference point for solidarity with the causes of the peoples of the Global South.
Other prominent speakers included Salisu Nuhu Muhammad, President of the Cuba Solidarity Movement in Nigeria; Miriam Morales Palmero, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Nigeria; Dr. Onuche Audu, President of the Association of Nigerians Graduated in Cuba; representatives of Nigeria’s two largest trade union organizations, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC); the Ambassador of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic to Nigeria; as well as prominent journalist and President of the Association for International Relations Awareness, Owei Lakemfa.
Particular emphasis was placed during the commemoration on Fidel Castro’s profound ties with Africa and the importance that solidarity with African peoples occupied within the foreign policy of the Cuban Revolution.
Fidel’s relationship with Africa was shaped by a conception of international solidarity grounded in the principle that Cuba had a historical debt to the African peoples and in the conviction that the independence and dignity of Africa were also causes of Cuba.
Under his leadership, Cuba played a significant role in supporting African national liberation movements and defending the independence of the peoples of the continent. Thousands of Cuban professionals in healthcare, education and other fields contributed for decades to the development of numerous African countries, while African youth received professional and university education in Cuba.
Fidel Castro also maintained close relations with African leaders and peoples. His friendship with figures such as Nelson Mandela, together with his ties to the leaders of African liberation movements, reflected a vision of international relations based on solidarity, cooperation and respect for national sovereignty.
In the case of Nigeria, the bonds between the two peoples have been strengthened particularly through educational cooperation. More than 400 Nigerian citizens have received training at Cuban universities, mainly in the field of Medicine, with many of them becoming professionals serving their country and important bridges of friendship between Cuba and Nigeria.
The commemoration held in Abuja thus provided an opportunity to connect the historical memory of Fidel Castro with the enduring bonds of friendship and solidarity between Cuba and Africa, and particularly between Cuba and Nigeria.
Participants emphasized that Fidel Castro’s legacy cannot be understood solely within the framework of Cuba’s national history. His thought and actions were closely connected to the struggles for independence, sovereignty, social justice and development of the peoples of Africa, Latin America, Asia and other regions of the world.
Throughout the event, speakers recalled his role in promoting unity among the countries of the Global South, his participation in the Non-Aligned Movement, and his advocacy for a fairer and more equitable international order.
The gathering also served as an expression of the enduring solidarity between the Cuban and Nigerian peoples. The testimonies of Cuban graduates, trade union representatives, diplomats and members of the Solidarity Movement demonstrated that, a century after his birth, Fidel continues to be remembered by generations in Africa as a symbol of internationalism and friendship among peoples.
The commemoration concluded with a reaffirmation of the participants’ commitment to preserving and strengthening the historic bonds of friendship and solidarity between Cuba and Nigeria.
The tribute to the centenary of Fidel Castro Ruz’s birth also provided an opportunity to recognize the contribution of solidarity organizations, trade unions, Cuban graduates and all those friends who, from Nigeria, continue to uphold the profound ties that unite both peoples.
The presence of more than 200 participants and diplomatic representatives from several countries demonstrated the international character of Fidel Castro’s legacy and the enduring relevance of the values of solidarity, cooperation and friendship among peoples that defined his life and work.
The gathering in Abuja was, above all, a tribute to Fidel, but also a reaffirmation that the bonds of friendship between Cuba, Nigeria and Africa transcend generations and remain part of a shared history of solidarity and cooperation.
(Embassy of Cuba to Nigeria)