The Lenin Centenary International Conference to mark the January 21, 1924 passing of Vladimir Illich Lenin was held in Abuja, Nigeria from January 22-23, 2024.
It brought together scholars, activists, journalists, labour leaders, public intellectuals, students, women leaders, diplomats and representatives from various nations including Nigeria, United States, Cuba, Ghana, South Africa, Venezuela, Palestine, Russia and United Kingdom while some joined virtually from other continents especially Europe.
The Conference analysed and examined the continuous relevance of the ideas of Lenin, the first human being to lead a successful socialist revolution.
It concluded that Lenin’s ideas and advocacy for a non-exploitative world, built on common development, peace and social justice, is the most viable solution to universal crises.
The Conference adopted ‘The Lenin Centenary Declaration’ which states that:
The world needs to give birth to a new humanity that would collectively solve the natural and human challenges of the universe.
An end must be brought to mass suffering, exploitation, hunger, poverty, conflicts and wars.
The Right of all human beings to food, shelter, work, healthcare, education and security shall be guaranteed.
A non-discriminatory universe in which all human beings, irrespective of gender, race, beliefs etc, shall have equal rights.
A New Economic World Order built on the philosophy of the BRICS, which promotes voluntary collaboration, shared values, mutual development and non- exploitation of other people and nations, should be created.
All peoples have a right to a homeland and to live in peace within secured borders. Accordingly, the two-state solution should be upheld in the Palestine.
Slavery in all forms and manifestations should be abolished.
Colonialism of countries and territories like Western Sahara, Puerto Rico, Gibraltar, Guam, New Caledonia, Bermuda and the British and American Virgin Islands, should be ended and the people, allowed to freely decide their future.
Elections should not be an end in itself. Rather, democracy should be based on the delivery of tangible dividends to the populace including their right to development and sovereignty over all powers.
The development of continents along the lines of the European Union in which regional blocs merge, manufacturing is encouraged, internal trade promoted and mutual development assured, should be encouraged.
All international military alliances should be dismantled.
A stop be put to the production and stockpiling of all weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.
It should be illegal for any country to unilaterally impose sanctions on another country. All sanctions should be by the United Nations General Assembly.
The United Nations should be transformed into a democratic system in which all nations shall have equal rights. Permanent Membership and the Veto Power should be abolished with the General Assembly exercising sovereignty.
Nigeria
The Nigerian participants within the Conference Declaration, adopted a Manifesto that the progressive forces in the country shall merge based on the implementation of a Minimum Programme.
The Minimum Programme provides that the:
People have sovereignty over all powers and authority.
Security and welfare of the people shall be the basis and legitimacy of any government.
Abolition of all corrupt practices and abuse of power shall be enforced.
Resources of the country and the national economy should be controlled to secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of the people.
Country’s wealth, the means of production and exchange shall not be concentrated in the hands of few individuals or group.
Nigerian people shall have the right to a living wage, sustainable pension, old age care, unemployment and sick benefits.
Education of all Nigerians at all levels shall be free.
Revitalization of the Student Movement, reintroduction of progressive student associations on campuses complete with political education classes, are essential for development.
Strengthening of the Trade Union and Women Movements along pro-people lines is fundamental in the building of a mass popular front.
Duty of Nigeria is to promote African integration and unity, and a just world economic order.
Right to freedom of thought and press freedom is sacrosanct.
Implementation of Lenin’s Principle of the right of all nationalities to self-governance, shall be ensured.
The Conference called on all progressive forces in the world to ensure the implementation of ‘The Lenin Centenary Declaration.’
MADE THIS TUESDAY, 23rd January, 2024.
Owei Lakemfa
Chair,
Lenin Centenary Coordinating Committee. (Lakemfaowei@ yahoo.com and centenaryvil@gmail.com, +2348023139151)
