By Editor

Nigeria and Spain are exploring new opportunities to strengthen bilateral relations through tourism, direct air connectivity, trade and investment being key areas of potential cooperation between the two countries.

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, says Nigeria has enormous tourism potential that can be better positioned to attract Spanish and other European visitors, while stronger connectivity between both countries could unlock opportunities across several sectors of the economy.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the media, Ikpeazu said that Spain was strategically located as a gateway to Africa from Europe, emphasising the importance of strengthening the relationship between both countries.

He said there was considerable room for greater cooperation in tourism, trade, commerce, culture, security, education, agriculture and renewable energy, including opportunities around critical minerals such as lithium.

“There is a lot to do between both countries. The need to deepen and strengthen our ties is very important.”

The Ambassador said Nigeria’s tourism potential could be better harnessed through stronger cultural exchanges and improved access between both countries and identified the restoration of direct bilateral air services between Nigeria and Spain as a critical step towards achieving the objective.

He said that direct flights would reduce travel time and make it easier for tourists, investors, businesses and government officials to move between the two countries.

According to him, stronger air connectivity would also improve people-to-people relations and provide a stronger foundation for increased trade, commerce and tourism.

“Trade, commerce, tourism and collaboration must start with a restoration of bilateral air services between both countries. I am focused on restoring that, and I hope that it would be restored because it would strengthen government-to-government relations in respect of trade and tourism,” he said.

Ikpeazu, however, said the development of Nigeria’s tourism sector must be approached as part of a broader economic strategy, stressing that tourism is closely linked to security.

He said greater collaboration between Nigeria and Spain in areas of maritime security and naval defence could contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and create a safer environment for tourism and other economic activities.

The Ambassador noted that Nigeria was already collaborating with Spain on naval defence and capacity building for security personnel, adding that there was potential to deepen such cooperation.

“Every economy, including tourism, is tied to security. We need a strategy that encompasses robust economic development to ensure that tourists move in safety, while private individuals are given the right environment to develop tourist centres,” he stated.

The Ambassador who also highlighted the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the measures have opened new possibilities for foreign investment in Nigeria, pointed to “a more stable and predictable dollar-to-naira regime and the ease with which investors can remit business proceeds,” saying these developments have strengthened the investment outlook and created greater opportunities for international investors.

He said Nigeria could collaborate with Spain in education, trade and human capital development, disclosing plans to explore a Nigeria-Spain education hub that would focus on relevant skills and help address gaps in skilled manpower.

He said the initiative could provide Nigerian young people with skills that match emerging opportunities while strengthening cooperation between educational institutions in both countries.

He said the Embassy was also working to encourage Nigerians living in Spain who possess talents and expertise in different fields to contribute to Nigeria’s development.According to him, the Embassy’s approach is centred on citizen-centred diplomacy, with efforts to ensure that Nigerians in Spain receive the support and services they require while also strengthening their connection with Nigeria.

The Ambassador further revealed plans to digitise consular services, saying this would make it easier and more convenient for Nigerians to access consular assistance.On migration, Ikpeazu advocated a more structured and dignified migration pattern that would allow Africans to move legally between countries while contributing meaningfully to the economies of their host nations.He said Nigeria’s efforts to improve its image internationally must also begin with its citizens, urging Nigerians to maintain a symbiotic relationship with the country and play their part in building a stronger economy.

Ikpeazu believes that the Nigeria-Spain relationship offers opportunities that extend well beyond traditional diplomatic engagement.From tourism and direct air connectivity to trade, investment, security, agriculture, renewable energy, education and culture, he believes both countries have significant room to expand their partnership.

He wants Nigeria to leverage the available opportunities created by Spain’s strategic position as a bridge between Europe and Africa to build, expand and partner.

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has urged young Abia residents and Indigenes to embrace excellence, innovation, hard work and selfless service as 1,086 youths graduated from the 2026 Abia State Leadership Academy Youth Leadership Boot Camp.

The governor, who spoke at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, on Saturday, from where the 2026 Abia State Leadership Academy Youth Leadership Boot Camp graduates were about to take off their duties in service to nation, was represented by the Chairman, Abia State Civil Service Commission, Pastor Eno Jerry Eze.

Governor Otti’s speech, which was on “The Leadership Vocation”, was delivered at the graduation ceremony held at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia, Abia State, on Saturday.

The function had been organized by the Abia State Leadership Academy in collaboration with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan Atlantic University, Lagos.

The governor urged the new graduates to regard their graduation as the commencement of greater responsibility, challenging them to form mentoring clusters, share knowledge and skills acquired and mobilize their wards to be part of the New Abia change agents.

He said the New Abia was a transgenerational project that required patience, perseverance, partnerships and persistent efforts to make it happen.Governor Otti further noted his interest in seeing the ideas the graduates presented during their capstone presentations at the boot camp, as concepts to be implemented.

He challenged the new leaders to make Abia State the best state to live in, adding that the academy would keep a register of them and their contributions while charging them to invest in their personal development.

Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, Pastor Dr. Eno Jerry Eze, stated that out of the 1,086 graduates selected from over 7,000 applicants, the four-week rigorous boot camp themed, “Raising Transformational Leaders, Innovators and Change-makers,” had helped them acquire knowledge and skills in leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

She noted that the boot camp was an embodiment of the state’s commitment to investing in its youths.

The President of the Abia State Leadership Academy, Prof Kenneth Kalu, said Governor Otti had done a tremendous thing by initiating the academy, adding that the youths should go back to their villages, towns, and communities to lead, add value, and transform based on the values and virtues learned.

He urged the new leaders to always remember to serve with integrity, compassion, and purpose as they continue to impact their immediate environment positively.

By Editor, Umuahia

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Okezie Ikpeazu PhD has joined dignitaries from all walks of life at the wedding of Leo Okorocha and Daniela Okocha, daughter of former international footballer, Austin Okocha popularly known as “Jay-Jay” in Málaga, Spain.

The colourful ceremony brought together prominent personalities and members of the Nigeria diasporas to celebrate the union of the couple in an event that also highlighted the enduring cultural and people-to-people ties between Nigeria and Spain.

The wedding was officiated by Pastor Ayo Adedoyin of Jesus House, London, who drew his message from 1 Corinthians 13:3–8, focusing on the enduring nature of love, patience, kindness and commitment as foundations for a successful marriage.

The presence of the Nigerian Ambassador added a diplomatic dimension to the celebration, with his participation reflecting the importance placed on strengthening people-to-people relations between Nigeria and Spain.

Beyond formal diplomatic engagements, cultural and social interactions involving Nigerians and their Spanish hosts continue to provide opportunities for deeper understanding, friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The wedding also offered an opportunity for members of the Nigerian community in Spain to celebrate one of their own and showcase the richness of Nigeria family and cultural traditions on an international stage.

The newly weds were surrounded by their families and friends as they exchanged vows and formally began their journey as husband and wife.

For the Nigerian diplomatic mission in Spain, participation in such occasions is part of efforts to remain connected with Nigerians living in the country as encouraging stronger community relations and celebrating significant milestones within the Nigerian community remains a priority..

The love filled ceremony had prayers offered for the couple by the guests who wished them a lifetime of love, friendship and shared purpose.