The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, received encomia last Wednesday night as the Republic of Cuba said his numberous programmes directly lift the conditions of the people.
Specifically, the Governor was commended for what the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria Mr. Carlos Trejo Sazo, called Aregbesola’s compassion for humanity.
A statement by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Semiu Okanlawon, quoted the Cuban Ambassador as speaking during a dinner organised in honour of the Cuban Ambassador and other embassy officials who were on a three day condolence visit to the state over the demise of the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade.
This was just as the governor commended President Barack Obama of the United States of America over the restoration of diplomatic relations with Cuba after about 50 years of hostility.
Sazo commended Governor Aregbesola on his total commitment and dedication to the people’s welfare irrespective of socio-political, religious and economic affiliations.
Soza said his visit to several places in the state was a clear manifestation of the information about the ongoing positive changes and good governance the Cuban Government has been receiving from Aregbesola’s administration over the years.
The envoy stressed that with the level of development he has witnessed in the state, the Cuban Government was ready to partner with Osun to foster more unprecedented development in the state.
“I actually came to Osun State to pay a tribute to the late Imperial Majesty, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, but my visit has given my people and I the opportunity to attest to the level of hospitality naturally endowed with the good people of Osun most especially Governor Aregbesola whose level of compassion to humanity remained immeasurable.
“We have been to several places in Osun in the course of our tour and we have seen physically and technically the level of rapid development of all nooks and crannies which the current government has brought to the state in terms of public infrastructures and social services which had transformed and placed the state to the viable position among its peers in the world.
“With all these developments in Osun State, our government in Cuba would not hesitate to partner with Osun State Government in all areas of socio-political, cultural and economic development by ensuring that the state continuously move forward as being aspired by her citizens.
” I have had comprehensive conversation with Governor Aregbesola on the need to move the state forward and as well build upon excellent relationship that would snowball into the expected all round transformation which is the political ideology of the current administration.
” I am not a stranger in Yorubaland because it is my ancestral home. This is where Cubans belong. We are descendants of Yorubas. Our ancestors lived here. We Cubans need to foster our cordial relationship in terms of human and material development with Yoruba people most especially the people of Osun and Ile-Ife which is the cradle of civilization and humanity.
“I will return to Cuba with all the promises I made to the Government of Osun and ensure that our government partner significantly with the administration of Governor Aregbesola in all areas of human endeavours”. He pledged.
Speaking, Governor Aregbesola noted that the world would be a better place if nations are allowed to do what they know best within the ambit of the constitution.
The governor pointed out that his relationship with Cuba dated back fifteen years when he had his first trip to the country, adding that Cuba has demonstrated high capacity for international human compassion based on humanitarian commitment to the development of mankind.
He held that Cuba has shown to the rest of the world the best way to effectively relate to people regardless of needs or desires.
Aregbesola lauded the Cuban Government for always being on the side of the developing countries and other nations without any sense of discrimination.
He added that the significant contributions of the Republic of Cuba towards the independence of many African Countries especially Angola was highly remarkable.
Speaking on the reason why Cuba remained formidable in the world in spite of its limited resources and tiny population, he held that Cuba is the only country that is ready at all times to share its meagre resources with the world.
According to him, “If not for the strong determination of Cuba, it is impossible to even think that Cuba can survive for one day without the support of America.
“Cuba is not assisting countries of the world because it has excesses, but Cuba is ever ready to quickly come to the aid of any country that is actually constrained in terms of material wealth, and this is the reason for the significant recognition of Cuba’s contribution to human development and welfare among the people of the world,” Aregbesola said.
