When the voice of humanity reverberated in a man, By Owei Lakemfa

On Thursday, 13 August, the global community commemorated the centenary of Fidel Castro Ruz, the legendary Cuban revolutionary whose ideals continue to inspire millions. The day began with a gathering at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Africa's largest labor organization, where thousands of attendees, comprising workers, professionals, political figures, human rights advocates, and diplomats from multiple nations, converged to honor Castro’s enduring legacy. The event, organized under the broader framework of global remembrance, underscored the continued relevance of Castro’s vision for a just and unified world. Castro, who passed away on 25 November 2016, remains a symbol of resistance and hope. His life story, marked by resilience and unwavering commitment to social justice, resonates deeply among those who witnessed his struggle against imperialism and oppression. At the NLC event, speakers highlighted how Castro’s principles, international solidarity, defense of national sovereignty, and ethical governance, continue to guide contemporary movements. Among them, Salisu Nuhu Mohammed, National Chairperson of the Nigeria Solidarity Movement with Cuba, emphasized that Castro’s leadership during the Cuban Revolution was unparalleled. He noted that Cuba, despite relentless U.S. economic sanctions and attempts to undermine its independence, has endured as a beacon of defiance and dignity. Mohammed further explained that the current U.S. blockade on Cuba, often described as an inhumane measure aimed at suffocating the nation economically, has not deterred the Cuban people. He argued that while the U.S. may attempt to impose its will, the spirit of the Cuban Revolution persists. “They may wake up very early,” he stated, “but the Cuban Revolution does not sleep.” This sentiment echoed the sentiments of many present at the event, who viewed Castro not merely as a historical figure but as a living influence shaping modern struggles for freedom and equality. Also speaking at the event was Ambassador Brahim S Busseif of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). He praised Castro for his role in supporting oppressed nations, citing an instance where Castro extended humanitarian aid to the Saharawi people after Morocco used napalm bombs against them. Busseif stressed that Castro’s legacy of solidarity transcends borders and continues to inspire movements worldwide. The Nigerian Trade Union Congress (TUC), another major labor body in Africa, joined in mourning the ongoing suffering of Cubans due to U.S. policies. It condemned the economic warfare imposed on Cuba and called for immediate relief. The TUC’s stance aligned with that of the NLC, which urged the U.S. and its allies to cease their aggression against the Cuban people and respect their right to self-determination. At the heart of the commemoration was the recognition of Castro as a humanist. One speaker recounted the symbolic moment when, upon arriving in Havana at the start of the Cuban Revolution, a dove landed on Castro’s shoulder, a sign interpreted as a divine endorsement of his mission. Another participant shared memories of a large, all-night funeral ceremony held in Lagos, Nigeria, following Castro’s death, where Nigerians honored him as an ancestral figure and a symbol of liberation. As the event drew to a close, the message remained clear: Castro’s ideas, though born in the 20th century, remain vital in addressing the challenges of the 21st. His call for unity, justice, and resistance against exploitation continues to echo across continents, inspiring new generations to fight for a more equitable world.