The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Nigeria has hosted an event to celebrate 214 years of independence from Spanish colonial rule.

Venezuela Independence Day is celebrated on July 5th every year, marking the country?s declaration of independence from Spain in 1811. This significant event occurred after a two-day discussion that began on July 3, 1811, where delegates from the First National Constituent Congress formally decided on independence.

During the event on Saturday, July 5, 2025, His Excellency Alberto Castelar, the Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to Nigeria, said: ?That the country got independent from the Spanish colonial masters two hundred and fourteen years ago. This was made possible by Simon Bolivar, the liberator. Following that, there were many challenges, but the arrival of Commandant Hugo Chavez changed the course of history, and President Nicolas Maduro has continued to uphold the Legacy.

He added that "the country today is fighting against imperialism, capitalism and fascism. The coming of Trump and new immigration rules in the United States of America has opened another challenge for the Venezuelan people. A Venezuelan toddler, Maikelys Espinoza, was recently returned to Venezuela after being separated from her parents due to their deportation by the US government. The parents, who had sought asylum in the US, were deported under accusations of gang affiliation, specifically with the Tren de Aragua. The toddler's return was secured after diplomatic efforts by Venezuelan officials and a decision by the US to repatriate her. While the mother and daughter are reunited, the father remains in custody in El Salvador. The Venezuelan government is continuing its efforts to secure his release and return.?

He ended by saying, ?Venezuela has a very good relationship with Nigerians and a cordial diplomatic relationship with the Nigerian government.?

During the event, the Cuban Embassy envoy was led by Ana Fravia and a host of other diplomats.

Comrade Martin Egabanubi, the General Secretary of the National Union of Health and Allied Professionals (NUAHP) and Comrade Gerald Katchy the Public Relations officer of the Committee for Defence of Human Rights during the event extends congratulations to his excellency and salute the courage of the country for standing against the bullying of United States of America.

Notable among those present were Comrade Dimeji Macaulay, the Coordinator of the Anti-Fascist Movement; Comrade Blessing Yusuf, Chairperson of the Federation of Informal Workers of Nigeria (FIWON); Mr Charles C. Agubor, Executive Director of Committed Advocates of Integrity Initiative (CADII); and Mr Abiodun Emmanuel Fayemi, Head of African Farmers and Agricultural Practitioners (AFAP).

The event ended with attending expressing the hope for a world free from sanctions and oppressions.

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