A Nigerian peace advocate, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, has been honoured with the José Martí Ring of Honour at the just concluded sixth international conference for the Balance of the World in Havana, Cuba.
In a statement by the peace advocate at the conclusion of the conference, Hamzat said that he received the ring of honour at the conclusion of a “Coalición Internacional de la Humanidad”, recognizing his contributions to global peace, human dignity, and advocacy for the demilitarization of Africa.
According to Martina Puc, Ecocivilizacion from Eslovenia, who presented the honour, the award, named after Cuba’s national hero José Martí, symbolizes freedom, justice, and resistance against oppression, values that align with Hamzat’s lifelong commitment to peacebuilding and governance reforms.
Expressing his gratitude, Hamzat, who is the executive director of Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro), emphasized the collective nature of peace advocacy, dedicating the recognition to all those striving for a more just and equitable world.
“This ring is more than a personal honour; it represents our shared struggle for peace, justice, and human dignity. The legacy of José Martí reminds us that true freedom is a collective responsibility, and I am humbled to receive this recognition in his name”, he said.
The José Martí Ring of Honour is a rare and prestigious tribute awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to human rights, self-determination, and social justice. Through PeacePro’s advocacy for the demilitarization of Africa, Hamzat has emerged as a leading voice in international peacebuilding.
The sixth international conference for the Balance of the World serves as a global platform for intellectuals, political leaders, and human rights advocates to discuss strategies for peace, sustainable development, and international cooperation, all inspired by the principles of José Martí.
Beyond his advocacy, Hamzat made a notable cultural impact at the conference, captivating delegates with his traditional Nigerian attire. His striking display of African heritage became a major talking point, with participants from Canada, Colombia, India, Argentina, Mexico, Slovakia, Ecuador, and Timor-Leste eager to take photos and learn more about Nigerian culture.
“It was unexpected, but I am delighted to share a piece of Nigeria with the world”, Hamzat said, reflecting on the warm reception.
Delegates praised the cultural significance of his outfit, with Dr. Pedro Pablo, a Cuban delegate, stating, “It’s a beautiful way to showcase Nigerian tradition.”
Lucila, a delegate from Argentina, remarked: “His outfit is amazing.” Similarly, Xavier from Timor-Leste noted, It’s a beautiful representation of Nigerian culture”.
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