Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Dr Victor Ikpeazu, has urged Abia indigenes residing in Valencia to uphold the virtues of hard work, integrity, resilience and unity, describing them as important ambassadors of Nigeria and their home state.Ikpeazu gave the charge on Sunday, when he attended the 16th anniversary celebration of Ndi Abia in Diaspora, Valencia Chapter, as Special Guest of Honour.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Embassy of Nigeria in Madrid, Spain, the Ambassador, who is a former Governor of Abia State, said the conduct, industry and integrity of Nigerians abroad directly shaped perceptions of the country and their communities.
He urged the Abia indigenes to remain committed to positive engagement with Spanish society while preserving their cultural identity and maintaining strong connections with their homeland.
Ikpeazu described Abians as enterprising people, particularly renowned for their skills in tailoring and shoemaking, urging them to take pride in their history and Igbo heritage.
He said Nigerians in the diaspora remained among the country’s most valuable assets, serving as cultural bridges, promoters of investment and informal ambassadors whose daily activities could influence international perceptions of Nigeria.
The envoy encouraged the Valencia chapter to sustain its culture of unity, mutual support and cooperation while exploring opportunities to contribute to the development of their host community and Abia State.
He commended the association’s leadership and members for sustaining the organisation over 16 years, congratulating them on the anniversary and assuring them of the Embassy’s continued support in promoting the welfare of Nigerians in Spain.
Ikpeazu, who assumed office as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain in September 2026 after presenting his Letters of Credence to King Felipe VI, said the Embassy was ready to work harmoniously with Nigerian community organisations to address issues affecting their members and strengthen people-to-people relations between Nigeria and Spain.
Earlier, Chairman of Ndi Abia in Diaspora, Valencia Chapter, Mr Endy Okoroafor, expressed gratitude to members, founding leaders and elders whose commitment had sustained the association over the years.
Okoroafor described the anniversary as an opportunity to celebrate the resilience, unity and achievements of Abians in Valencia, while acknowledging the contributions of those who established the organisation 16 years ago to provide mutual support and build a lasting legacy for future generations.
He also announced that the association, formerly known as Abia State Congress in Diaspora, had now secured full registration after encountering difficulties under previous administrations.
The chairman called for greater unity and participation among members, stressing that Abians remained one people irrespective of their local government areas of origin.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to the Igbo principle of Onye Aghala Nwanne Ya, meaning that no one should abandon their brother or sister.
The celebration featured cultural performances, reflections on the association’s journey, the unveiling of Almalac, presentation of awards and networking among Abia indigenes in the Valencia region.
The event highlighted the role of organised diaspora associations in preserving cultural heritage, strengthening community bonds and promoting Nigeria’s interests abroad.
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