Ambassador Ikpeazu Charges Abians In Valencia to Uphold Integrity and Hard Work.
By Owolola Adebola
Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, His Excellency, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has called on Abia State indigenes residing in Valencia, Spain, to uphold the virtues of integrity, hard work, unity and responsible citizenship, emphasising that their conduct in their host country has significant implications for the image and reputation of Nigeria and Abia State.
Ambassador Ikpeazu, a former Governor of Abia State, made the appeal on Sunday, November 1, 2026, while serving as Special Guest of Honour at the 16th anniversary celebration of Ndi Abia in Diaspora, Valencia Chapter.
Addressing Abia indigenes and other members of the Nigerian community at the gathering, the Ambassador stressed the importance of being worthy representatives of their country through exemplary conduct, professional excellence and positive contributions to Spanish society. He urged them to maintain strong bonds with their cultural heritage while embracing the responsibilities and opportunities of living in a foreign country.
Describing Abians as highly enterprising people, Ambassador Ikpeazu remarked that some of the world’s finest tailors and shoemakers could be found among them.
He encouraged members of the community to take pride in their Igbo identity, rich cultural heritage and entrepreneurial traditions.
He further described Nigerians in the diaspora as invaluable national assets whose contributions extend beyond financial remittances. According to him, they serve as cultural bridges, potential investment facilitators and informal ambassadors whose everyday interactions help shape international perceptions of Nigeria.
The Ambassador also encouraged the Valencia chapter to strengthen its internal cohesion, promote mutual assistance and explore opportunities for collaboration that could benefit both their host community and the development of Abia State.
Commending the association for sustaining its activities over 16 years, Dr Ikpeazu assured members that the Nigerian Embassy in Spain remained committed to protecting their interests, addressing issues affecting their welfare and strengthening people-to-people relations between Nigeria and Spain. He pledged the Embassy’s readiness to maintain constructive engagement with organised Nigerian associations across the country.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ndi Abia in Diaspora, Valencia Chapter, Mr Endy Okoroafor, expressed gratitude to members, elders and invited guests, describing the anniversary as a celebration of perseverance, collective achievement and enduring brotherhood.
He paid tribute to the founding members and past leaders whose vision and commitment established the association 16 years ago as a platform for solidarity, mutual support and the preservation of Abia identity among residents in Spain.
Okoroafor also announced that the association, formerly known as Abia State Congress in Diaspora, had successfully overcome previous registration difficulties and was now formally registered. He attributed the achievement to the determination of members and their commitment to the Igbo philosophy of Onye Aghala Nwanne Ya—let no one abandon their brother.
The anniversary celebration featured cultural performances, reflections on the association’s journey, the unveiling of its almanac, award presentations and networking among Abia indigenes and other members of the Nigerian community.
Beyond its commemorative significance, the gathering reinforced the importance of organised diaspora associations in preserving cultural identity, strengthening community solidarity and promoting constructive relations between Nigeria and its international partners.
