Osun Delegation Joins Cubans,Other Nationals To Celebrate Workers Day

It was an exciting and blissful moment for the Osun delegates in Cuba that participated in the International Workers’ Day Brigade held at the Freedom Square, Havana,the capital of the country, last Wednesday. More than 42 countries from all the continents in the world came to participate in the 2013 May Day celebration with fanfare, according to the Institute Cuban Amistad Conlos Pueblos (ICAP). The State of Osun has 100 delegatesas participants at the colourful event. The delegation from the State of Osun led by the Special Assistant to Governor Rauf Aregbesola on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Honourable Bisi Odewumi, saw the rally as a real affirmation of the loveand patriotism that Ogbeni Aregbesola is trying to engender in the people of the state. Smiles and joyful look on the faces of the Cuban people expressed their contentment, discipline and happiness in the celebration of the Workers’ Day, just as all commercial activities were closed for the whole day for the celebration. The May Day had over 1.8 million workers, who officially registered to take part in the colourful and symbolic rally, witnessed by nationals from other parts of the world. As early as 2.00 am local time (7.00 am Nigerian time), people from all over the world, were already moving to the venue of the event slated to commence at 7.30am. Vehicular and human traffic became thick for several hours. With flags, placards and leaflets in their hands, the Cubans communicated to the world, the love, loyalty and patriotism reigningin them and the support for the government of the country. The arrival of the Cuban President, Comrade Raul Castro some few minutes to 7:00am signalled the official commencement of the well-attended rally. The President attended it just like any other worker in Cuba, as it was completely devoid of government’s involvement, but rather the affairs of the Cuban labour union. The President of the union mountedthe podium to address the mammoth crowd at exactly 7:30am for a ceremony that lasted almost two hours. In his May Day rally speech, he saw it as an opportunity to thank and appreciate the government of Cuba, as well as advanced the need for theCuban government not to relent in its agitation to get five of its citizenscurrently being detained by the US government to be released with immediate effect. It was a remark that drew thunderous applauds and acceptance, as the Cubans collectively in one voice saw it as the only germane issue, despite several others before the Cubans. The State of Osun governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has congratulated the Cuban President and the entire people of Cuba on the successful hosting of this year’s Workers’ Day in Cuba. Governor Aregbesola’s message wasconveyed to the Cuban government through the Head of Osun delegation to Cuba, Honourable Odewumi. Odewumi said he was not surprised by the passion and commitment of the Cubans, because over the years, they have always been in the fore-front of championing the genuine concept of democracy. He therefore, on behalf of the Government of the State of Osun, charged the over 100 contingents from the state to Cuba to go back home to replicate the sense of love, passion and patriotism, as displayedby the Cubans before, during and after the Labour Day celebration. The uniformity of the vests, flags and banners used by the workers added colour to the event as they matched steadily in front of the millions of people standing at the freedom square. Unlike any other parts of the country, the workers used the occasion to solidarise with the government and called for the release of the five Cuban citizens being detained by the US, instead of calling for the increment in their salaries. All the umbrella bodies of the workers displayed their professions at the event with series of activities, just as children and the handicappedalso participated at the event. Students and security officers, including the military men were notleft out in the celebration match. Commenting on the event, Odewumi said: “There is joy being one of the delegates to watch this year’s celebration of Workers’ Day inCuba. We can see the Cubans solidarising with their people, whichsymbolizes their love for their country. “The Workers’ Day in Cuba has no replication in any other part of the world. The Cubans show their patriotism, nationalism and loyalty for their country. The celebration also indicates the concern and care of government for the people. In his comment, the lawmaker representing Ife- Central in the OsunState House of Assembly, Honourable Adetilewa Sijuwade said: “Cubans appreciate their country. It means the government has done a lot for them on welfare. There is patriotism and discipline which is lacking in Nigeria.”