Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has urged indigenes of Abia State living in Valencia to remain exemplary ambassadors of Nigeria by upholding the values of hard work, integrity and resilience.
Ikpeazu gave the charge on Sunday during the 16th anniversary celebration of Ndi Abia in Diaspora, Valencia Chapter, where he attended as Special Guest of Honour, according to a statement issued by the Embassy of Nigeria in Madrid.
Addressing members of the association and the wider Nigerian community, the ambassador said the conduct and achievements of Nigerians abroad contribute significantly to the image of both Nigeria and their states of origin.
He encouraged Abians in Valencia to continue promoting unity, supporting one another and engaging positively with Spanish society while maintaining strong ties with their cultural heritage.
Ikpeazu described Abians as enterprising people with a rich history and identity, noting that the Nigerian diaspora remains one of the country’s most valuable assets.
He said diaspora communities serve as cultural bridges, attract investment opportunities and help shape international perceptions of Nigeria through their daily activities.
The envoy congratulated the Valencia chapter on its 16th anniversary and commended its members for sustaining the association over the years.
He also assured Nigerians in Spain of the embassy’s commitment to promoting their welfare and strengthening people-to-people relations between Nigeria and Spain.
According to him, the embassy under his leadership would continue to work closely with Nigerian community organisations to address issues affecting members and deepen cooperation among Nigerians resident in Spain.
Earlier, Chairman of Ndi Abia in Diaspora Valencia Chapter, Endy Okoroafor, described the anniversary as a celebration of the resilience, unity and achievements of Abians in the region.
He paid tribute to the founding members and past leaders who established the organisation 16 years ago with the goal of fostering mutual support among Abians living abroad.
Okoroafor also announced that the association, formerly known as Abia State Congress in Diaspora, had successfully completed its registration process after years of challenges.
He called for greater unity among members and reiterated the group’s commitment to the principle of Onye Aghala Nwanne Ya (leave no one behind).
The anniversary featured cultural performances, awards presentations, networking sessions and reflections on the association’s journey over the past 16 years.
The event highlighted the growing role of diaspora organisations in preserving cultural identity and strengthening relations between Nigeria and host countries.
