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Tag: Cuba

  • How Nigeria, Cuba broke apartheid’s chain in South Africa, by Olawepo-Hashim

    How Nigeria, Cuba broke apartheid’s chain in South Africa, by Olawepo-Hashim

    The strategic partnership between Nigeria and Cuba contributed to the liberation of South Africa from apartheid rule, a former presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has said.

    Hashim spoke after a private meeting with Cuba’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Bruno Rodriguez Parilla, during the minister’s visit to Nigeria.

    The businessman said his relationship with Parilla dated back to the late 1980s when both of them were active members of the International Students’ Movement.

    The duo previously served as delegates to the 13th World Festival of Students in Pyongyang, North Korea, on the platform that fostered international solidarity among young political leaders.

    Their meeting underscored the deep diplomatic and historical ties between the Caribbean and African nations, dating back to their shared support for liberation movements across Africa.

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    Olawepo-Hashim recalled Cuba’s critical military intervention during the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale in Angola in 1988, where Cuban volunteer forces fought alongside the People’s Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (FAPLA) against South African troops.

    “The defeat of the South African forces marked a turning point in the region’s struggle for independence, paving the way for Namibia’s independence and the eventual collapse of apartheid in South Africa.

    “Cuba’s military intervention, backed by Nigeria’s strong political and diplomatic support for the anti-apartheid movement, created the momentum that ultimately led to the fall of apartheid,” he said.

    He said Nigeria and Cuba share deep cultural ties, stressing that a significant portion of Cuba’s black and mulatto population can trace their ancestry to Nigeria’s Yoruba, Efik, and Ibibio ethnic groups.

    “The bonds between Nigeria and Cuba go beyond politics. They are rooted in shared ancestry and a common struggle for freedom and justice,” Olawepo-Hashim added.

  • Nigeria, Cuba sign MoU to improve bilateral relations

    Nigeria, Cuba sign MoU to improve bilateral relations

    Nigeria and Cuba have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance bilateral relations, particularly in trade, medicine, and science and technology.

    The agreement was signed on Monday in Abuja by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and his visiting Cuban counterpart, Bruno Eduardo Rodriguez Parrilla, following closed-door discussions.

    Tuggar emphasised that the MoU aims to deepen cooperation between both nations across key sectors, fostering stronger diplomatic and economic ties.

     He said: “We just signed an agreement, an MOU, to further strengthen our political relationship and to further strengthen our collaboration bilaterally as well as multilaterally. And of course, during the course of our bilateral meeting, we discussed several areas to do with enhancing trade, investment, and collaboration with regards to the medical sector, with regards to research, with regards to science, with regards to technology. And this is something that Nigeria is keenly looking forward to working together with Cuba towards actualising.

    “So for us, we consider Cuba as part of Nigeria’s diaspora. And this visit provides us with an opportunity to further strengthen existing ties and agreements and memoranda of understanding that are already in place. And also, just as you witnessed, for us to sign new ones.”

    Tuggar stressed that the relationship between both countries dates back to the era of the fight for the emancipation of Africa.

    He noted that Cuba and Nigeria also share common culture and traditions 

    He said: “Cuba is a country with a special place in Nigeria, going back into history. What we share in terms of experience, in terms of culture and tradition, is something that we hold dear to our hearts.

    “And even before the existence of both countries in the shape and form that we know them today, perhaps there were people from this part of the world, or this location even, that featured prominently in the formation of what was to become Cuba, because we learn from history that Diego Velazquez supposedly conquered Cuba in 1511, and we know from history that when that event took place, there were black people in his company, even though you find that in contemporary written history, some of these facts are not recognised, but there were nonetheless black people that were there, that were part of that, albeit maybe under certain circumstances that were not their choice. 

    “So that history goes, and of course, Cuba is a country that played a very prominent role in the liberation of the African continent, countries that were under the yoke of racist regimes in the 60s and the 70s, all the way to the 80s and perhaps I would say early 90s. As did, of course, Nigeria, because it was back then Nigeria and the front line states.

    “So we share that common affinity, apart from the culture, the Yoruba culture in particular, and even the Shakiri and other cultures here in Nigeria still feature prominently in Cuba, from music to cuisine, and so forth.”

    Rodriguez Parrilla, who visited Nigeria for the second time, said Cuba is ready to explore the potentials for both countries to enhance bilateral relations.

    He therefore pledged his country’s full commitment to enhance bilateral relations with Nigeria. 

    He said, “We confirm that there is a very positive potential in order to enhance our cooperation, trade, investment, economic, cultural, academic, scientific relations. And we have been exchanging views on this matter in order to explore some new interests and consolidate the current ones.

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    “We enjoyed an excellent level of bilateral relationship in many different areas, having a very proactive exchange and commonalities in our international agendas, a very proactive level of bilateral cooperation and consultation in bilateral ways and also in multilateral foreign and international organisations.” 

    He also added, “I’m sure that this visit is a positive step and an excellent base for continuing having positive exchange, exploring additional interests for the sake of the Nigerian and the Cuban people. We Cubans consider ourselves of a Latin American-African people, African descent, and most importantly, Nigerian descent. Nigeria, modern Nigeria, is in our blood, in our culture, in our religions, in our traditions.”

    The visiting minister also pointed out that he is in Abuja firstly to express his country’s “profound appreciation and gratitude to the contribution by Nigeria to our culture and our country, and because of the stand taken by your country on the issue of the embargo on Cuba.” 

    “We feel very proud of ourselves as Latin American, African people, and we’ll always be loyal to this special history in commonality with Africa, but especially with the federal republic of Nigeria.”

  • US to remove Cuba from State sponsors of terror list

    US to remove Cuba from State sponsors of terror list

    President Joe Biden is to remove the US designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism.

    The removal is part of a prisoner release deal, the White House said on Tuesday.

    Shortly afterwards, Cuba announced it would release 553 prisoners detained for “diverse crimes”. 

    President-elect Donald Trump reinstated the country’s terror designation in the final days of his first presidency in 2021, banning US economic aid and arms exports to the country.

    But on Tuesday, a President Joe Biden administration official said an assessment of the situation had presented “no information” that supported the designation.

    Cuba said Biden’s move was a step “in the right direction” despite its “limited nature”.

    “This decision puts an end to specific coercive measures that, along with many others, cause serious damage to the Cuban economy, with a severe effect on the population,” the country’s ministry of foreign affairs said in a statement.

    Hundreds of prisoners will “gradually” be freed following talks brokered by the Catholic Church, a separate statement read a few hours later.

    Details about the prisoners have not been announced – it was hoped the deal would prompt the release of some protesters imprisoned after large anti-government protests in Cuba over the nation’s economic decline in 2021.

    Cuba currently sits alongside North Korea, Syria and Iran on the US State Sponsors of Terrorism list.

    This means they are deemed by the US to have “repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism”.

    Adding Cuba back to the list after its removal in 2015 by President Barack Obama, Trump citied the communist country’s backing of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

    At the time Cuba called the move “cynical,” “hypocritical” and an act of “political opportunism”.

    Biden is to notify Congress of his plans, which also include reversing Trump-era financial restrictions on some Cubans, a White House statement said.

    He will also suspend the ability of individuals to make claims to confiscated property in Cuba, the statement read.

    It is unclear whether Trump will reverse this latest decision when he returns to office on 20 January.

    The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs however raised fears that the decision could easily be reversed since other economic blockage are still in place. 

    The Ministry’s statement which was made available to our correspondent in Abuja stated: “Despite its limited scope, this is a decision that points to the right direction and is in line with the sustained and firm demand by the government and the people of Cuba, as well as the broad, emphatic and reiterated call by numerous governments, particularly those of Latin America and the Caribbean; Cubans residing abroad; political, religious and social organizations and numerous political figures of the United States and other countries.  The government of Cuba expresses its gratitude to all of them for their contribution and sensitivity.

    “This decision puts an end to specific coercive measures which, together with many others, seriously damage the Cuban economy and have a severe impact on the population. This is, and has been, an ever-present issue in all official exchanges between Cuba and the Government of the United States.

    “It is important to point out that the economic blockade and a large part of the tens of coercive measures entered into force since 2017 to further strengthen it, still remain in force, with their full extraterritorial impact and in violation of International Law and the human rights of all Cubans.

    “The decision announced today by the United States, rectifies, in a very limited way, some aspects of a cruel and unjust policy.  This is a rectification that is being introduced right now, on the verge of a change of government, when it should have been materialized years ago, as an elemental act of justice, without asking for anything in return and without fabricating pretexts to justify inaction, if there was a true intention to act properly. “Recognition of the truth, the absolute absence of reasons for such designation and the exemplary performance of our country in the combat of terrorism, something that has been recognized even by several US government agencies, should have sufficed to remove Cuba from the arbitrary list of State sponsors of terrorism.

    “It is known that the government of that country could reverse in the future the measures that have been adopted today, as has already happened in the past, and as an expression of the lack of legitimacy, ethics, consistency and reason in its behavior towards Cuba.

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    “To do that, US politicians usually do not take time to find an honest justification, as long as the vision described in 1960 by the then Deputy Assistant Secretary, Lester Mallory, and his expressed intention to put Cubans on their knees by way of economic siege, misery, hunger and desperation, remain in force. They will not take time to find justifications as long as that government continues to be unable to recognize or accept Cuba’s right to self-determination, and as long as it remains ready to pay the political cost meant by the international isolation caused  by its genocidal and illegal economic suffocation policy against Cuba.

    “Cuba will continue to face and condemn that economic warfare policy, the foreign interference programs and the disinformation and discredit operations financed every year with tens of millions of dollars of the US federal budget.

    It will also continue to be ready to develop a respectful relation with that country, based on dialogue and non-interference in the internal affairs of both countries, despite the differences.”

  • Cuba solicits Nigeria, international community’s support to end US 64yrs blockade

    Cuba solicits Nigeria, international community’s support to end US 64yrs blockade

    Cuba has solicited for the support of Nigeria and other members of the international community to end the United States economic and energy blockade.

    The US has for about 64 years imposed economic sanction on the Island.

    The Ambassador of Cuba to Nigeria, Miriam Morales Palmero, made the plea during a press conference in Abuja, ahead of the vote against the US blockade scheduled to take place at the United Nations General Assembly on October 29, 2024.

    Palmero expressed optimism that with the support of Nigeria and other countries in Africa, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Middle East, her country will be free from the blockade.

    The Cuba envoy decried the injustice of the prolonged blockade policy put in place in 1960 by the US on Cuba.

    She said it has made negative impacts in various sectors of the Cuban political, social and economic life, calling for immediate lifting of the blockade against her country.

    She noted that the US government started the blockade on March 14, 1958, when it banned weapons sale to Cuba via an arms embargo and later extended to a bigger ban on all exports to Cuba, food and medicine excluded.

    Read Also: Cuba expresses interest in strengthening bilateral relations with Nigeria

    “In 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis between the US and the Soviet Union, Cuba held nuclear weapons on behalf of the Soviet Union, leading to a full- scale blockade on the Cuban island. The actions of the US have led to the UN having annual resolutions to dispel the blockage since 1992, this year’s resolution being on the 29th of October,” she said.

    The ambassador covered various economic and social impacts of the blockade on Cuba which include that the blockage prevents the US from trading with Cuba, greatly limiting Cuba’s access to goods, services and technology such as food, medical aid and the country’s ability to generate revenue.

    “Furthermore, with many countries being allied with the US, fearing the repercussions that might come with trading with Cuba, foreign investments and trades with Cuba are severely limited.

    “Although Cuba has a wonderful health care system, this blockage limits the country’s access to medicine, leading to the inability to properly care for its citizens in times of health crises,” she said.

  • Cuba expresses interest in strengthening bilateral relations with Nigeria

    Cuba expresses interest in strengthening bilateral relations with Nigeria

    The government of Cuba has expressed its desire to strengthen bilateral relations with Nigeria. Currently, about 400 Nigerian students are enrolled in various Cuban universities, primarily in the field of medical sciences.

    Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Miriam Morales Palmero, made this announcement over the weekend during the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Bilateral Relations between Cuba and Nigeria, coinciding with the Day of Cuban Culture.

    Palmero emphasised that Cuba aims not only to maintain but also to enhance and develop the ties established between the two countries.

    She also noted that both nations have signed a series of Memoranda of Understanding across several key sectors.

    She said: “During these 50 years, we have worked in our bilateral relations not only to maintain but also enhance and develop the ties created. At the economic and commercial level, there has been an increase in the level of exchanges during the last two years, expanding the possibilities and opportunities for business and investments. The signing of agreements, Memoranda, and letters of intent in sectors such as health, education, Science and Technology, Agriculture, Sports, Culture and Energy, and the exchange of pharmaceutical and biotechnology products deserve special mention.

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    The exchange between the private sectors is expanding and new opportunities and possibilities of cooperation are being opened.

    “I would like to reiterate to the government and people of Nigeria, Cuba’s interest in continuing to strengthen our bilateral economic and commercial relations.

    “I would like to reiterate to the government and people of Nigeria, Cuba’s interest in continuing to strengthen our bilateral economic and commercial relations.”

    On exchanges, the envoy said: “Special mention should be made of the training of more than 400 Nigerian students in different Cuban universities, mainly in medical sciences, which reinforces the fact that our ties are based on mutual solidarity.

    “We have made progress in the exchange of experiences in working with political parties, youth organizations, and the civil society.”

    She also said: “In the international arena, both countries have maintained a fluid relationship of cooperation, based on respect between nations.”

    She appreciated Nigeria’s “vote in favour of the elimination of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade unjustly imposed by the United States against our country”.

    She equally commended former President Olusegun Obasanjo for his recent letter to President Biden requesting that Cuba be removed from the spurious list of countries that sponsor terrorism.”

    She also commended Literature Nobel Prize winner Wole Soyinka “for his permanent support and also for being among the many friends who signed the letter from writer Ignacio Ramonet, addressed to the American President with the same objective, to denounce the inclusion of Cuba on that list which seeks to economically suffocate 11 million Cubans and create through these pressure mechanisms the false criterion of a situation supposedly created by the management of our revolutionary government.

    “We thank the solidarity movement with Cuba in Nigeria, the trade union organizations NLC and TUC for their permanent support and accompaniment in all the campaigns and struggles in defence of the rights of Cuba.

    “We thank Nigerians who have always supported us so that the legacy of our ancestors is not lost.”

    On her part, Ambassador Janet Olisa, Director of Regions, representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs said the relationship between both countries is based on shared values.

    Amb. Olisa also commended the Cuban government for its support.

    She said: “The spirit of cooperation and friendship definitely is what defines our national bilateral relations over the years. We reflect on our shared values, the journey we have made so far, and the huge progress that we have gained throughout the years, and we must thank the Cuban Government and people for the warm welcome for our students over the years.

    “We have such very strong alumni that have studied especially in the field of medicine over the years and language, like my husband will say he speaks Spanish today because of the Cuban government, free education for diplomats who serve in Havana.

    “This is part of the warm reception we as Nigerians have always received in Cuba, and because of that, our relationship, the resilience, and the determination that we have to pursue this around the world justice, ensuring that human rights is a fundamental right for everyone to be able to benefit from democratic practices and for what is good for each Country, economic growth is not left out.

    “We are hoping that in the next 50 years, our business community will thrive. We’ll have more interaction in that aspect.”

  • Why the MOUs with Cuba should be implemented

    Why the MOUs with Cuba should be implemented

    The relationship between Nigeria and Cuba is deeper than most citizens of both countries appreciate. Historically, twice as many slaves were shipped to Cuba alone than to the entire United States of America, making Cuba the largest slave colony in all of Hispanic America. At their peak around 1838, there were as many as 400,000 slaves in Cuba. That’s why, today, the Cuban population of just about 11 million is highly mixed, with approximately 37 percent White, 11% Black, 1 percent Chinese, and a whopping 51 percent mulatto (that is, persons with White and Black ancestry). Majority of Cuban slaves were from West Africa, largely from Nigeria. That is why, today, a Nigerian visitor to Cuba will easily see another person, who looks like himself or herself or looks like his or her relative, friend, or neighbour. The cultural resemblances are even more striking, from art and food to various cultural practices.

    In view of this historical relationship, I found it surprising that it was not until July 1974 that Cuba and Nigeria established diplomatic relations, with the Cuban Embassy opened in Lagos in that year and the Nigerian Embassy opened in Havana the following year. Today, relations between the two countries cover education, health, economy, trade, culture and sports. However, these relations have been more nominal than functional. True, diplomatic relations between both countries have been sustained over the years, there isn’t much to show for it in any of the sectors highlighted above, save for private individuals, who go to Cuba for business or to train in medicine or biotechnology.

    It is against the above backgrounds that we should explore the two recent Nigerian delegations to the Republic of Cuba in the last two years, the first in April/May 2022 and the second in September 2023. The first delegation was composite. Some delegates went there to attend the international conference on biotechnology, which held from April25-29, 2022, while others went there to inspect Cuba’s biomedical facilities. Yet others went there to explore business potentials, especially in the pharmaceutical industry. The outcome of the delegation was a Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and Cuba to collaborate on contract manufacturing, technology transfer, vaccine production, and sale of Cuban biopharmaceutical products in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Nigeria, Cuba sign MoU on food security, agric advancement

    I organised the media briefing by the Nigerian delegation at the Cuban Embassy on their return from Cuba (see Akinnaso, Why collaboration with Cuba is important, The Nation, July 6, 2022, and Emoriken, Nigeria, Cuba explore prospects of local vaccine production, The Nation, July 5, 2022).

    The more recent Nigerian delegation to Cuba was even more elaborate and high-powered than the first one, being led by Vice President Kashim Shettima himself. Although the primary mission was to attend the G77+China Leadership Summit, major advances in Nigeria-Cuba relations were made on the sidelines. Two major MOUs were signed. One was to enhance collaboration between the two countries in innovation, science and technology.

    Admittedly, 2022 MOU on same was signed during the lame-duck session of the previous administration and toward the end of the tenure of the previous Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Clara Pulido-Escandell. However, given the overlap between the 2022 and 2023 MOUs, the next logical step is to consolidate both MOUs and move forward. It will be mutually beneficial for both countries to fully implement these agreements. Indeed, Nigeria has more to gain from their implementation. Cuba’s biotechnology industry, which developed in response to the US blockade in the early 1960s, is among the best in the world. It is made up of more than 30 research institutions and 45 companies (31 in Cuba and 14 abroad), under the supervision of the state-run conglomerate, BioCubaFarma.

    Today, Cuba is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of biopharmaceutical products, especially vaccines. It was Cuba that developed the world’s first meningococcal B vaccine in the late 1980s. Currently, Cuba’s biopharmaceutical industries have 110 production facilities, producing 996 different products and hiring over 190,000 workers. It is no wonder that Cuba has alliances with over 60 countries in the manufacture and distribution of biopharmaceutical products.

    Besides, Cuba’s investment in medical training and biomedical research provides a global model, which allows the country to have one of the highest doctor-to-patient ratios in the world. That’s why Cuba can afford to dispatch healthcare professionals all over the world to combat disasters and epidemics. They were in Haiti during the cholera outbreak in 2010; in West Africa during the Ebola crisis of 2013-2016; and in Italy when COVID-19 peaked in 2020. They should have been invited to Nigeria as well.

    The second MOU signed with Cuba in 2023 was on agriculture and food security. Specifically, the agreement called for ways of enhancing the agriculture value chain, from improving seeds and seedlings and biofortification of agricultural produce to agricultural mechanisation and reduction of post-harvest losses. Improvements in poultry, livestock, and fisheries were also included. Again, like the agreement on biotechnology, it is necessary to follow up on the agreement on agriculture as Nigeria has a lot to learn from Cuba. Despite its small land area, Cuba today is a global player in mechanised agriculture and the export of coffee, sugar, honey, and tobacco, notably the popular Cuban Cigars.

    Bilateral agreements with Cuba have both diplomatic and symbolic implications. Implementation of the agreements will bring Nigeria closer to understanding the plight of Cuba and Cubans as they struggle to survive the oppressive blockage imposed on them by the United States government since 1962. Unfortunately, Cuban Blacks suffer the most as a result of the embargo. As the largest nation of Blacks in the world, the Nigerian government should be keenly interested in the survival of Blacks anywhere in the world.

    The recent escalation in diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Cuba are more than welcome as it will bring mutual benefits to both countries. Fortunately, Cuba’s new Ambassador to Nigeria, Miriam Morales Palmero, is anxious to see the recent agreements through. She has been meeting with top Nigerian officials and touring various states, encouraging alliances with Cuba. During the presentation of her credentials to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the Presidential Villa on August 24, 2023, the President acknowledged Cuba’s advances in science and technology as well as the development of their health system. He agreed that bilateral relations between the two countries should be fully developed, especially in the interest of our youths. The Tinubu-Shettima administration has its reputation on the line regarding these bilateral agreements.

  • Nigeria, Cuba sign MoU to collaborate on innovation, tech

    Nigeria, Cuba sign MoU to collaborate on innovation, tech

    The Vice President Kashim Shettima-led Nigerian delegation to the G77+China Summit, in Havana, Cuba, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cuba to strengthen collaboration on Innovation, Science and Technology.

     According to a statement issued Saturday evening by the Director of Information in the office of the Vice President, Mr Olusola Abiola, the signing ceremony, which took place on the sidelines of the G77+China Summit, at Hotel Palco La Habana, is the high point of Nigeria’s participation at the summit.

     The Minister of Innovation, Science & Technology, Uche G. Nnaji, signed on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, after which he praised President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership, which has resulted in the signing of the agreement.

     He assured that Nigeria would maximise the opportunities provided by the bilateral agreement, emphasising that the implementation of the agreement will commence in earnest.

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    He expressed his determination to put in place the appropriate mechanism to work out the modalities for programme of action.

    The Vice President averred that Nigeria places high premium on South-South cooperation as a platform for promoting sustainable development of the global South.

     The bilateral agreement would focus on R&D as well as human resource development would further deepen partnership between the two countries.

     The areas of cooperation covered by the bilateral agreement include biotechnology; scientific Investigation and innovation; technological development; human resources development; specialist Exchange in the area of Science and Technology; technologies transfer for development areas.

     It would be recalled that before the commencement of the Summit, the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima had told Cuba’s Vice President during his visit to him, that Nigeria would use the opportunity offered by the Summit to sign very important MOU with Cuba for agricultural, scientific and technological development.

     The historic event was witnessed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Adamu Lamuwa, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Cuba, Amb. Ben Okoyen and other senior government officials.

  • Cuba testing diabetic drug in Nigeria, says Ambassador

    The Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Trejo, has said that his country was currently testing a drug that would ensure that patients who suffer from diabetic do not have their limbs amputated due to complication. The Ambassador, who spoke at a news conference to publicly announce Nigeria’s hosting of the 6th African meeting on solidarity with the people of Cuba, also disclosed that Cuba was working to ensure that the drug is mass produced in Nigeria to serve the African market.

    He said that if the drug is registered and mass produced in Nigeria, it can address the problem of several people suffering from diabetics in the country and beyond. He announced that the Cuban people were conscious of their cultural affinity with the African people and will always ensure that they share their successes with the Nigerian people, adding that all their past efforts in assisting Nigeria has nothing to do with financial gains.

    He also announced that his country has made some break-through in its research into drugs for the treatment of lung cancer, adding that for the first time, Americans were working with Cuban researchers to produce the drug, insisting that cancer does not know race, colour or culture.

    Addressing the news conference earlier, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba, disclosed that the decision to allow Nigeria to host the meeting was taken at the last meeting which took place in Namibia in 2017. He said the Nigeria Movement of Solidarity with Cuba is resolved to host the most successful African solidarity meeting and appeal to Nigerians to actively participate in the series of public events outlined for the meeting.

  • Cuba testing diabetic drug in Nigeria, says Ambassador

    The Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Trejo has said that his country was currently testing a drug that would ensure that patients who suffer from diabetic  does not have their limp amputated due to complication.

    The Ambassador who spoke at a news conference to publicly announce Nigeria’s hosting of the 6th African meeting on solidarity with the people of Cuba also disclosed that Cuba was working to ensure that the drug is mass produced in Nigeria to serve the African market.

    He said that if the drug is registered and mass produced in Nigeria, it can address the problem of several people suffering from diabetics in the country and beyond.

    He announced that the Cuban people were conscious of their cultural affinity with the African people and will always ensure that they share their successes with the Nigerian people, adding that all their past efforts in assisting Nigeria has nothing to do with financial gains.

    READ ALSO: High diabetic population

    He also announced that his country has made some breakthrough in its research into drugs for the treatment of lung cancer, adding that for the first time, Americans were working with Cuban researchers to produce the drug, insisting that cancer does not know race, colour or culture.

    He said despite strong opposition from the United States of America, Cuba will continue to strong friends with African Nigerians, insisting that Nigerians in Cuba are not regarded as Afro-Cubans, but as Cubans, adding that his country will never let Africa down.

    Addressing the news conference earlier, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba disclosed that the decision to allow Nigeria to host the meeting was taken at the last meeting which took place in Namibia in 2017.

    He said the solidarity meeting scheduled to take place between September 23 and 25, 2019 is aimed at demonstrating practical solidarity and commitment to the continued demand for respect for Cuba’s right to self determination ad sovereignty and their right to pursue the political system of their choice.

    He said the Nigeria Movement of Solidarity with Cuba is resolved to host the most successful African solidarity meeting and appeal to Nigerians to actively participate in the series of public events outlined for the meeting.

  • Economy: Osun to collaborate with Venezuela, Israel, Cuba, others

    The Osun state government will strengthen its economy by creating an enabling environment for business and investment to thrive.

    Governor Adegboyega Oyetola stated this on Wednesday while receiving the Venezuela Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr David Nieves Valasquez-Caraballo;  envoys from Israel, Cuba, Cote d’Ivoire and Republic of Benin‎.

    The envoys, who were received on behalf of the governor by Chief of Staff Dr. Charles Diji Akinola and Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Mr Oluwole Oyebamiji, were among those on a two-day visit to
    Osogbo, the state capital, to attend the International Agriculture Technology Exhibition and Conference tagged ‘1st Agrictech Nigeria.’

    The Conference was organised to explore business opportunities in agriculture and to expand the sector.

    Apart from Mr. Valasquez-Caraballo; Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Carlos Trejo Sosa was represented by the Deputy Head of Mission, Ms. Leydis Bernal Suarez; Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, ‎Mr Pear Duchi, was represented by Mr Madu Chibueze, among others.

    Speaking on behalf of the governor, Dr Akinola said Osun remained resolute to maximize her potentials for greater productivity.

    He said his administration is committed to enhancing Public Private Partnership, thus creating workable environment for business to grow.

    Governor Oyetola said the state is open for business as the state had mapped out modality to facilitate local and foreign partnership for positive changes across all sectors.

    He added: “We have just had a meeting with Ambassadors who have come to our state to discuss myriads of business opportunities and explore their potentials as regards the need to strengthen bilateral relationship.

    “This administration is giving priority to agriculture, mining, tourism, information and communication technology among others, to ensure proper diversification of the economy.

    “We had a very fruitful session with them; we have reached a compromise on the need to expand the window of business opportunity particularly in the areas of agriculture, mining, tourism, science and
    technology.

    “They have shown interest to partner the state in these areas to ensure that Osun achieves her goals.

    “As a government, we shall continue to create the enabling environment that would help to facilitate bilateral cooperation in all sectors of the economy.

    “We are looking forward for investment partnership from these countries. It is our hope that this collaboration will bring about the desired results.

    “With this Agrictech, our state stands to gain a lot as this will help to expose the state to various opportunities embedded in every aspect of the economy.

    “This is going to strengthen the economy and enhance commercial activities in the state as we are doing everything possible to record success in our economic diversification bid,” he added.

    The Venezuelan Ambassador said his country was ready to collaborate with the Osun state government to promote agriculture, mining and tourism.

    Valasquez-Caraballo who described the agriculture exhibition as fruitful, rewarding and adventurous, said no effort would be spared to partner Osun towards actualizing her set objectives.

    He said: “We have come to Osun to deliberate on some of the areas in which we can collaborate and strengthen bilateral relationship.

    “We are here to build a strong bilateral relation that will bring about the desired development in all aspects of the economy.

    “We have had a conference where issues were raised and deliberated upon on the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation between our government and government of the state of Osun.

    “Our interest is to pursue things that will drive the economy. We are happy to have been given warm reception, we are also glad with the high level of hospitality received as.

    “We have seen the reasons where the two governments must collaborate to advance their economies as we have been exposed to various business opportunities to which we can tap from,” he said.