Ikpeazu Calls on Abia Diaspora in Spain to Promote Nigeria’s Image, Support Home-State Development

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has called on Abia indigenes living in Valencia to uphold the values of hard work, integrity and resilience, urging them to remain worthy ambassadors of Nigeria and their state.

Ikpeazu made the appeal on Sunday, November 1, 2026, during the 16th anniversary celebration of Ndi Abia in Diaspora, Valencia Chapter, where he attended as Special Guest of Honour.

Addressing members of the association and other Nigerians at the gathering, the ambassador said the behaviour, professional conduct and contributions of Nigerians abroad had a direct bearing on how their country and communities were perceived internationally.

He urged the Abia community to maintain strong cultural ties, promote unity and extend mutual support while actively contributing to the development of their host society.

Ikpeazu, a former governor of Abia State, described Abians as enterprising people with a strong tradition of craftsmanship, particularly in tailoring and shoemaking.

He encouraged them to take pride in their Igbo heritage and leverage their professional skills, networks and opportunities to promote investment and development in Abia State.

According to a statement issued by the Nigerian Embassy in Madrid, Ikpeazu also described the diaspora as a strategic national asset whose contributions extend beyond financial remittances to cultural diplomacy, investment promotion and international cooperation.

He congratulated the Valencia chapter on its 16th anniversary, commending its leadership and members for sustaining the association over the years.

The ambassador, who assumed office in September 2026 after presenting his Letters of Credence to King Felipe VI, assured Nigerians in Spain of the embassy’s readiness to collaborate with community organisations to address their concerns and promote their welfare.

He also pledged continued engagement with Nigerians in the country as part of efforts to strengthen relations between Nigeria and Spain.

In his remarks, Chairman of Ndi Abia in Diaspora, Valencia Chapter, Mr Endy Okoroafor, described the anniversary as a celebration of the determination and collective achievements of Abians living in the Spanish city.

He acknowledged the contributions of founding members, former leaders and elders who established the association 16 years ago to provide support and foster unity among Abians abroad.

Okoroafor disclosed that the organisation, previously known as Abia State Congress in Diaspora, had successfully overcome registration challenges and was now fully registered.

He called for greater participation and solidarity among members, stressing that Abians should remain united regardless of their local government areas of origin.

The chairman reaffirmed the association’s commitment to the principle of Onye Aghala Nwanne Ya, an Igbo expression meaning that no one should abandon their brother.

The anniversary celebration featured cultural performances, reflections on the association’s history, the unveiling of an almalac, award presentations and networking among Abia indigenes in Valencia.

The gathering also highlighted the contributions of diaspora associations to cultural preservation, community development and stronger connections between Nigerians abroad and their home communities.