Nigeria's Ambassador to Spain, Okezie Ikpeazu, has stated that the country is making progress despite the prevailing economic challenges. He made this statement during an event marking Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary in Madrid, Spain. Ikpeazu acknowledged the country's current economic realities but maintained that progress was being made through ongoing efforts to address the challenges facing Nigeria. He expressed the government's commitment to economic diversification, improved governance, and inclusive growth.
Ikpeazu emphasized the importance of international cooperation in achieving Nigeria's development objectives, describing the support and friendship of countries such as Spain as invaluable. He also highlighted Nigeria's democratic institutions, youthful population, and contributions to regional peace, security, and development across Africa and beyond. The ambassador noted that Nigeria, as Africa's most populous nation with one of its largest economies, has abundant human talent, cultural diversity, and natural resources.
The ambassador pledged to promote investment and business partnerships to strengthen the country's economy. He stated that the government will continue to create opportunities for investment and business-to-business matchmaking to develop the country. Ikpeazu also urged Nigerians to work together towards a country that commands respect among the community of nations. He renewed the pledge to work together for a nation that is peaceful, prosperous, and respected in the comity of nations.
Ikpeazu congratulated President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians, particularly those residing in Spain, on the anniversary. He paid tribute to the nationalists and patriots whose courage and sacrifices secured the country's independence, noting that nation-building required sustained commitment, resilience, and collective responsibility. The ambassador also expressed Nigeria's desire to deepen cooperation with Spain in renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, technology, and the creative industries.
On Nigeria-Spain relations, Ikpeazu said the two countries have maintained strong and growing ties based on mutual respect, constructive dialogue, and expanding cooperation in trade, investment, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. He noted that Spanish companies, including GB Foods, continued to explore opportunities in Nigeria, while Nigerians living in Spain contributed to the host country's social and economic development.
Ikpeazu urged Nigerians living in Spain to uphold values that would strengthen the country's image and promote closer relations between both nations. He extended special greetings to the Nigerian community in Spain, describing them as the country's most valuable ambassadors. The ambassador noted that their hard work, integrity, and achievements enhance the image of the nation and strengthen the bridges between the two countries.
The event marking Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary provided an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country's journey since gaining independence in 1960 and renew citizens' commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous nation. The ambassador's statement reflects the government's efforts to address the country's economic challenges and promote national development through economic diversification, investment opportunities, and international cooperation.
Key points
- Nigeria's Ambassador to Spain, Okezie Ikpeazu, says the country is making progress despite economic difficulties.
- The government is committed to economic diversification, improved governance, and inclusive growth.
- Ikpeazu emphasized the importance of international cooperation in achieving Nigeria's development objectives.
