Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has urged Abia indigenes residing in Valencia to uphold the virtues of hard work, resilience, unity and integrity as worthy representatives of Nigeria and their home state.
Ambassador Ikpeazu gave the advice while speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the 16th Anniversary celebration of Ndi Abia in Diaspora, Valencia Chapter.
The Ambassador reminded members of the association that their conduct, professional contributions and interactions with their host community directly influence perceptions of Nigeria and Abia State.
He urged them to remain good ambassadors of the country by embracing hard work, supporting one another and engaging positively with Spanish society while maintaining strong ties with their cultural heritage.
Describing the people of Abia as highly enterprising people, Ikpeazu said “they had distinguished themselves in various crafts and businesses, particularly tailoring and shoemaking.”
He noted that they should be proud of their heritage and accomplishments, particularly their contributions to craftsmanship and entrepreneurship.
The Ambassador also described Nigerians in the diaspora as valuable national assets, serving as cultural bridges, investment promoters and informal ambassadors whose everyday activities help shape the country’s international image.
He encouraged the Valencia chapter to sustain its spirit of togetherness and explore opportunities that would benefit both their host community and development efforts in 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 years of existence and commended its leadership and members for sustaining the organisation.
He assured Nigerians in Spain of the Embassy’s commitment to their welfare, stressing that his administration was ready to work harmoniously with members of the Nigerian community to address issues affecting them.
Earlier, Chairman of Ndi Abia in Diaspora, Valencia Chapter, Mr Endy Okoroafor, described the anniversary as a celebration of resilience, unity and collective achievements.
Okoroafor paid tribute to the founding members, past leaders and elders who established the association 16 years ago with a shared vision of supporting one another through life’s challenges and achievements while building a lasting legacy for future generations.
Providing an update on the organisation’s development, he disclosed 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 a significant milestone, reaffirming the association’s commitment to the enduring Abia spirit of “Onye Aghala Nwanne Ya” (Let no one leave their brother behind).
According to him, “We remain one people, regardless of the local government area we come from. Our shared identity as Abians binds us together, and we must continue to uphold that spirit of brotherhood.”
The chairman called for greater participation, solidarity and commitment among members to strengthen the association and advance the collective interests of Abians living in Spain.
The anniversary celebration featured cultural performances, reflections on the association’s journey, the unveiling of its almanack, presentation of awards and networking among Abia indigenes in the Valencia region.
The event underscored the growing role of organised diaspora associations in preserving cultural identity, promoting community development and strengthening people-to-people relations between Nigeria and Spain.
