Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has called on Abia State indigenes in Valencia to live by the values of hard work, resilience, integrity and unity, and to represent Nigeria and their home state well.
The former Abia governor spoke on Sunday, November 1, 2026, as Special Guest of Honour at the 16th anniversary of Ndi Abia in Diaspora, Valencia Chapter, according to an Embassy of Nigeria statement issued in Madrid on Monday.
He told members and other Nigerians present that their conduct, professional contributions and integrity in Spain directly affect how Nigerians and Abians are perceived internationally.
He urged them to support one another, live peacefully, remain connected to their heritage and contribute positively to Spanish society.
Ikpeazu described Abians as highly enterprising and singled out their reputation for craftsmanship, saying they rank among the world’s best tailors and shoemakers. He urged them to take pride in their identity as Igbos and to project a good image of their community wherever they live.
Nigerians in the diaspora, he said, are among the country’s most valuable assets, acting as cultural ambassadors, bridges between nations and promoters of investment. Their daily activities abroad, he added, help shape perceptions of Nigeria and can create openings for stronger economic and cultural ties.
The ambassador, who took up his post in September 2026 after presenting his Letters of Credence to King Felipe VI, congratulated the association and commended its leaders and members for keeping it going. He assured Nigerians in Spain of the Embassy’s support on welfare matters and said it would work closely with them to deepen relations between both countries.
Chapter Chairman Mr Endy Okoroafor called the anniversary a milestone and paid tribute to the founders, former leaders and elders who set up the association 16 years ago to support Abians living in Valencia.
He announced that the group, formerly known as Abia State Congress in Diaspora, had secured formal registration after facing difficulties under previous administrations, giving it a firmer institutional foundation.
Citing the Igbo philosophy Onye Aghala Nwanne Ya, meaning “let no one leave their brother behind,” Okoroafor said Abians remain one people regardless of their local government areas or communities of origin, and appealed for greater participation and unity among members.
The celebration featured cultural performances, reflections on the association’s journey, the unveiling of an almanac, awards presentations and networking among Abia indigenes in the Valencia region.
