Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has urged Abia State indigenes residing in Valencia, Spain, to uphold the virtues of hard work, resilience, unity and integrity as worthy representatives of Nigeria and their home state.
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 Nigerian Embassy in Madrid on Monday, the Ambassador addressed Abia indigenes and other members of the Nigerian community, reminding them that their conduct, professional engagements and contributions to Spanish society directly influence the perception of Nigeria abroad.
He urged them to remain committed to hard work, mutual support and positive engagement with their host community while maintaining strong connections with their cultural roots.
The former Abia State Governor described Abians as highly enterprising people, particularly renowned for their excellence in tailoring and shoemaking, urging them to take pride in their rich cultural heritage and Igbo identity.
He noted that Nigerians in the diaspora remain among the country’s most valuable assets, serving as cultural ambassadors, bridges between nations and promoters of investment opportunities.
Ikpeazu encouraged the Valencia chapter of Ndi Abia in Diaspora to sustain the spirit of unity, strengthen support networks among members and explore opportunities capable of contributing to the development of both their host community and Abia State.
The Ambassador, who assumed office in September 2026 following the presentation of his Letters of Credence to King Felipe VI of Spain, commended the association’s leadership and members for sustaining the organisation over the past 16 years.
He congratulated them on the anniversary and assured them of the Embassy’s continued commitment to protecting the welfare of Nigerians in Spain and strengthening people-to-people relations between Nigeria and Spain.
Ikpeazu further assured the Nigerian community that the Embassy under his leadership would maintain a cordial working relationship with Nigerians in Spain and collaborate with them in addressing challenges affecting their welfare.
Earlier, Chairman of Ndi Abia in Diaspora, Valencia Chapter, Mr. Endy Okoroafor, expressed gratitude and pride over the association’s growth, resilience and achievements since its establishment 16 years ago.
Describing the anniversary as a special occasion, Okoroafor welcomed Abia indigenes and other guests, particularly acknowledging the presence of the Nigerian Ambassador.
He paid tribute to the founding members, former leaders and elders whose vision and collective commitment led to the establishment of the association to promote solidarity, mutual assistance and a lasting legacy for future generations.
The chairman also announced that the association, formerly known as Abia State Congress in Diaspora, had successfully secured formal registration after encountering difficulties under previous administrations.
He said the achievement represented an important milestone in the organisation’s development and reaffirmed its commitment to the enduring Abia philosophy of “Onye Aghala Nwanne Ya,” meaning “let no one leave their brother behind.”
Okoroafor emphasised that Abians, irrespective of their local government areas of origin, remained one people united by a common identity and shared heritage.
The 16th anniversary celebration featured cultural performances, reflections on the association’s journey, the unveiling of its almalac, presentation of awards and networking among Abia indigenes in the Valencia region.
The event highlighted the importance of organised diaspora associations in preserving cultural identity, strengthening community bonds and promoting Nigeria’s international image through constructive engagement.
