Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has urged Abia indigenes residing in Valencia to be good ambassadors of Nigeria and their home state by upholding the values of hard work, integrity, unity and mutual support.
Ikpeazu gave the charge on Sunday, November 1, 2026, while serving as Special Guest of Honour at the 16th anniversary celebration of Ndi Abia in Diaspora, Valencia Chapter.
According to a statement issued by the Embassy of Nigeria in Madrid, the Ambassador, who is also a former Governor of Abia State, told members of the Nigerian community that their conduct, productivity and integrity in Spain directly influence how Nigeria and Abia State are perceived.
He encouraged them to maintain positive relationships with Spanish society while remaining connected to their cultural heritage and supporting one another.
Describing Abians as enterprising people with global recognition in tailoring and shoemaking, Ikpeazu urged them to take pride in their Igbo identity and rich cultural heritage.
He noted that Nigerians in the diaspora remain valuable national assets through their contributions to cultural exchange, investment promotion and the strengthening of international relations.
The Ambassador also urged the Valencia chapter to sustain its unity and explore opportunities capable of contributing to the development of both their host community and Abia State.
He congratulated the association on its 16th anniversary, commending its leadership and members for sustaining the organisation over the years.
Ikpeazu, who assumed office as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain in September 2026 after presenting his Letters of Credence to King Felipe VI, assured Nigerians in the country of the Embassy’s commitment to their welfare.
He said the Embassy under his leadership was ready to work harmoniously with members of the Nigerian community to address issues affecting them and strengthen people-to-people relations between Nigeria and Spain.
Earlier, Chairman of Ndi Abia in Diaspora, Valencia Chapter, Mr. Endy Okoroafor, expressed appreciation to the association’s founding members, past leaders and elders for their contributions to sustaining the organisation over the past 16 years.
Okoroafor highlighted the association’s achievements, particularly its successful registration after facing challenges under previous administrations.
He disclosed that the organisation, formerly known as Abia State Congress in Diaspora, was now fully registered, describing the development as a significant milestone.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to the Abia spirit of Onye Aghala Nwanne Ya, meaning “let no one leave their brother behind,” stressing that Abians remained united regardless of their local government areas of origin.
The anniversary celebration featured cultural performances, reflections on the association’s journey, the unveiling of its almanac, presentation of awards and networking among Abia indigenes in Valencia.
The event highlighted the role of organised diaspora associations in preserving cultural identity, promoting unity and strengthening relations between Nigeria and their host countries.
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