Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has called for increased investment, business partnerships and people-to-people exchanges between Nigeria and Spain.
He was speaking at an Independence Anniversary ceremony in Madrid attended by Nigerians, Spanish officials, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders and other guests.
Ikpeazu said Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary provided an opportunity for the country to strengthen its economic and diplomatic engagement with Spain.
The Ambassador said Nigeria’s development aspirations could be accelerated through stronger international partnerships, noting that the growing relationship between Nigeria and Spain presented opportunities in key sectors, including renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, technology, education and the creative industries.
According to him, Spanish businesses already operating in Nigeria demonstrate the potential for deeper economic cooperation.
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“Spanish companies like GB Foods and others continue to find opportunities in Nigeria’s dynamic market, while Nigerians in Spain contribute meaningfully to the social and economic fabric of this great country,” he said.
Ikpeazu assured potential investors that the Nigerian mission in Spain would continue to support initiatives aimed at strengthening commercial relations and facilitating business-to-business partnerships.
“We will continue to create opportunities for investment and business-to-business matchmaking to develop our country,” he stated.
Diaspora as Link
Speaking on the Diaspora as Bridge Between Two Countries, Dr Ikpeazu, placed emphasis on the role of Nigerians living in Spain, describing the community as an important link between the two countries.
He commended Nigerian students, professionals and entrepreneurs for their contributions to Spanish society and urged them to continue to uphold values that would promote Nigeria’s image abroad.
“You remain our most valuable ambassadors. Your hard work, integrity, and achievements enhance the image of our nation and strengthen the bridges between our two countries,” he said.
While celebrating Nigeria’s achievements since independence, Ikpeazu acknowledged the economic difficulties facing the country, however noted that the challenges required collective efforts and sustained reforms.
“We are not satisfied with the present economic realities, but we are making progress as a people,” the Ambassador said.
He maintained that Nigeria’s youthful population, human capital and cultural diversity remained important assets that could be harnessed to promote economic growth and national development.
Ikpeazu also highlighted Nigeria’s contributions to peace, security and development across Africa, describing the country as an important force on the continent.
He called on Nigerians to renew their commitment to national unity, peace and development.
Referring to the nationalists and patriots whose efforts contributed to Nigeria’s independence, the Envoy stressed that nation-building was a continuing responsibility rather than a task that could be completed by one generation.
“Their legacy reminds us that nation-building is a continuous endeavour, which demands resilience, innovation, and collective responsibility,” he said,
The Ambassador said Nigeria’s 66th anniversary should not only be a moment for celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on the country’s development journey and the responsibilities of its citizens.
He congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians at home and abroad, particularly members of the Nigerian community in Spain, while calling for renewed efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous nation.
As the anniversary celebration ended, Ikpeazu said Nigeria’s future would depend significantly on the ability of its citizens, government and international partners to work together.
“Fellow Nigerians, as we raise a toast to Nigeria at 66, let us renew our pledge to work together for a nation that is peaceful, prosperous, and respected in the comity of nation”, he said
He encouraged Nigerians in Spain to remain united, law-abiding and committed to enterprise, innovation and resilience.
