…pledge support as Ndi Abia in Diaspora celebrates 16th anniversary
By Gloria Ikibah 
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has urged Abia indigenes residing in Valencia to uphold the virtues of hard work, resilience, unity and integrity, describing them as important representatives of Nigeria and their home state.
Ikpeazu gave the charge on Sunday, November 1, 2026, while serving as Special Guest of Honour at the 16th anniversary celebration of Ndi Abia in Diaspora, Valencia Chapter.
According to a statement issued by the Embassy of Nigeria in Madrid on Monday, Ikpeazu, who is a former governor of Abia State, reminded members of the association that their conduct, industry and integrity in Spain directly influenced perceptions of Nigeria and Abia State.
He urged them to maintain positive relationships with Spanish society, support one another and remain connected to their cultural roots.
The ambassador described Abians as highly enterprising people, particularly renowned for their skills in tailoring and shoemaking, and encouraged them to take pride in their Igbo identity and rich cultural heritage.
He also highlighted the importance of Nigerians in the diaspora, describing them as valuable national assets who serve as cultural bridges, investment promoters and informal ambassadors.
Ikpeazu encouraged the Valencia chapter to sustain its commitment to unity and mutual support while exploring opportunities that could benefit both their host community and development efforts in Abia State.
The ambassador, who assumed office in September 2026 after presenting his Letters of Credence to King Felipe VI of Spain, commended the association’s leadership and members for sustaining the organisation over the past 16 years.
He congratulated them on the anniversary and assured them of the embassy’s continued support in promoting the welfare of Nigerians in Spain and strengthening people-to-people relations between the two countries.
Ikpeazu also assured the Nigerian community that the embassy under his leadership was ready to work harmoniously with its members to address issues affecting them.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ndi Abia in Diaspora, Valencia Chapter, Mr Endy Okoroafor, expressed gratitude to members for their resilience, unity and commitment to sustaining the association.
Describing the anniversary as “truly a special day”, Okoroafor welcomed Abia indigenes in Valencia and expressed his appreciation for the ambassador’s presence at the celebration.
He said the association’s 16-year journey had been sustained by the strength, resilience and unity of its members.
The chairman also paid tribute to the founding members, past leaders and elders who established the organisation with a shared vision of providing mutual support during life’s challenges and victories while building a lasting legacy for future generations.
Okoroafor disclosed that the association, formerly known as Abia State Congress in Diaspora, had successfully secured full registration after encountering difficulties under previous administrations.
He said the development was a significant achievement for the organisation and called for greater participation and unity among members.
The chairman reaffirmed the association’s commitment to the Igbo principle of Onye Aghala Nwanne Ya, meaning “let no one leave their brother behind”.
He emphasised that Abians remained united by a shared identity, irrespective of their local government areas of origin.
The anniversary 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 growing role of organised diaspora associations in preserving cultural identity, strengthening community bonds and contributing to Nigeria’s diplomatic and development engagements abroad.
