Ikpeazu Urges Abia Indigenes in Spain to Uphold Hard Work, Unity
Oru Leonard
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has urged Abia State indigenes living in Valencia, Spain, to uphold the virtues of hard work, resilience, integrity and unity, stressing that their conduct reflects the image 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.
In a statement issued by the Embassy of Nigeria in Madrid, the Ambassador, who is also a former Governor of Abia State, encouraged members of the association to remain good ambassadors of Nigeria by maintaining positive relationships with their host community and contributing meaningfully to society.
He urged them to promote mutual support, unity and productive engagement while sustaining their cultural identity and connections with their homeland.
Describing Abians as highly enterprising people, Ikpeazu particularly highlighted their global reputation in tailoring and shoemaking, urging them to take pride in their heritage and Igbo identity.
He also described Nigerians in the diaspora as valuable national assets who serve as cultural ambassadors, promote investment opportunities and strengthen international relations through their daily interactions in their host countries.
The Ambassador called on the Valencia chapter to sustain its spirit of togetherness, support members in times of need and explore opportunities that would benefit both their host community and the development of Abia State.
Ikpeazu, who assumed office as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain in September 2026 after presenting his Letters of Credence to King Felipe VI, congratulated the association on its 16-year milestone.
He commended its leadership and members for sustaining the organisation and assured them of the Embassy’s commitment to protecting the welfare of Nigerians in Spain.
He further pledged that the Embassy under his leadership would maintain close collaboration with Nigerian community organisations to address issues affecting citizens 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 members for their resilience, commitment and contributions to the growth of the association.
Okoroafor described the anniversary as a significant milestone, recalling the vision of the founding members, past leaders and elders who established the organisation 16 years ago to promote solidarity, mutual assistance and a lasting legacy for future generations.
He disclosed that the association, formerly known as Abia State Congress in Diaspora, had overcome previous registration challenges and was now fully registered.
The chairman reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to the traditional Abia value of Onye Aghala Nwanne Ya, meaning “let no one leave their brother behind.”
He stressed that Abians remained united irrespective of their local government areas of origin, noting that their common identity and shared heritage should continue to strengthen their bonds.
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 resident in the Valencia region.
The event highlighted the growing importance of organised diaspora associations in preserving cultural heritage, promoting community development and strengthening Nigeria’s international relationships.
