Ambassador Ikpeazu Charges Abians in Spain to Uphold Hard Work, Resilience, Promote Nigeria’s Image By Raymond Enoch

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has charged Abia State indigenes residing in Valencia to uphold the virtues of hard work, resilience, integrity and unity, urging them to serve as worthy representatives of Nigeria and their home state in their host country.

Ikpeazu gave the charge on Sunday, November 1, 2026, when he attended the 16th anniversary celebration of Ndi Abia in Diaspora, Valencia Chapter, as Special Guest of Honour, according to a statement issued by the Embassy of Nigeria in Madrid, Spain.

Addressing Abia indigenes and members of the Nigerian community at the event, the Ambassador, who is also a former governor of Abia State, emphasised that the conduct, professionalism and integrity of Nigerians abroad significantly shape perceptions of their country and communities of origin.

He urged members of the association to embrace hard work, foster unity, support one another and maintain positive relationships with Spanish society while remaining connected to their cultural heritage and identity.

The envoy described Abians as enterprising people with a strong reputation for craftsmanship, particularly in tailoring and shoemaking, urging them to take pride in their history and Igbo identity.

He noted that Nigerians in the diaspora constitute one of the country’s most valuable assets, serving as cultural ambassadors, bridges between nations and potential catalysts for investment, economic cooperation and development.

According to him, the everyday conduct and contributions of Nigerians abroad can strengthen the country’s international reputation, while organised diaspora associations can create opportunities for collaboration between their host communities and their places of origin.

Ikpeazu therefore encouraged the Valencia chapter of Ndi Abia in Diaspora to sustain its tradition of solidarity, strengthen its internal cohesion and explore initiatives capable of contributing to development in Abia State while adding value to their host community in Spain.

The Ambassador’s message underscored the importance of responsible diaspora engagement in promoting Nigeria’s image, strengthening international relationships and translating the experiences and achievements of Nigerians abroad into tangible benefits for their communities back home.

Congratulating the association on its 16th anniversary, Ikpeazu commended its leadership and members for sustaining the organisation over the years, describing its longevity as an important milestone in community organisation and diaspora solidarity.

He assured the association of the Embassy’s continued support in promoting the welfare of Nigerians in Spain and strengthening people-to-people relations between Nigeria and Spain.

The envoy further pledged that the Embassy, under his leadership, would work harmoniously with members of the Nigerian community to address issues affecting them, stressing the importance of constructive engagement between diplomatic missions and Nigerians living abroad.

Ikpeazu assumed office as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain in September 2026, following the presentation of his Letters of Credence to King Felipe VI.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Ndi Abia in Diaspora, Valencia Chapter, Mr. Endy Okoroafor, expressed gratitude and pride in the resilience, unity and collective commitment that had sustained the association over the past 16 years.

Describing the anniversary as a special occasion, Okoroafor welcomed Abia indigenes resident in Valencia and expressed appreciation for the Ambassador’s presence, noting that it added significance to the celebration.

He paid tribute to the association’s founding members, former leaders and elders who established the organisation 16 years ago with a shared vision of providing mutual support, navigating life’s challenges together and building a lasting legacy for future generations.

The chairman also announced a significant organisational milestone, disclosing that Ndi Abia in Diaspora, formerly known as Abia State Congress in Diaspora, had overcome previous registration difficulties and was now fully registered.

He described the development as an important step towards strengthening the association’s institutional standing and enhancing its capacity to pursue its objectives.

Okoroafor also reaffirmed the enduring spirit of solidarity among Abians, captured in the Igbo expression, “Onye Aghala Nwanne Ya,” meaning “Let no one leave their brother behind.”

He stressed that Abia indigenes remained one people, irrespective of their local government areas of origin, united by a shared heritage, common identity and collective responsibility to support one another.

The chairman called for greater unity, participation and commitment among members, emphasising that the association’s continued relevance would depend on the willingness of Abians to contribute to its growth and sustain the values upon which it was founded.

The anniversary celebration featured cultural performances, reflections on the association’s 16-year journey, the unveiling of an almanac, presentation of awards and networking among Abia indigenes resident in the Valencia region.

The gathering provided an opportunity to celebrate the association’s achievements, honour individuals who had contributed to its development and reinforce the bonds connecting Abians living outside Nigeria with their cultural roots.

Beyond the anniversary festivities, the event highlighted the growing importance of organised diaspora associations in preserving cultural identity, promoting community welfare and strengthening relations between Nigeria and its international partners.

With Nigerians continuing to make contributions across different sectors in their host countries, the Ambassador’s message placed renewed emphasis on the responsibility of diaspora communities to combine professional excellence and personal integrity with cultural pride and meaningful engagement in Nigeria’s development.

For Ndi Abia in Diaspora, Valencia Chapter, the 16th anniversary represented not only a celebration of its history but also an opportunity to renew its commitment to unity, mutual support and the advancement of Abia State and Nigeria.