Madrid, Spain | July 17, 2026
Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Spain, His Excellency Ambassador Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, PhD, on Thursday paid his first official courtesy visit since assuming office to His Excellency Archbishop Pierro Pioppo, Apostolic Nuncio to the Kingdom of Spain and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.
The visit, which took place at the Apostolic Nunciature in Madrid, marks an important milestone in Ambassador Ikpeazu’s diplomatic engagements and reflects Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening relationships with the diplomatic community accredited to the Kingdom of Spain.
Ambassador Ikpeazu, a former Governor of Abia State, explained that he deliberately chose the Apostolic Nuncio as the first recipient of his official courtesy call for both diplomatic and personal reasons.
As the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Archbishop Pioppo occupies a unique position within Spain’s diplomatic community, making the visit a strategic opportunity to reaffirm Nigeria’s readiness to work constructively with members of the diplomatic corps in advancing mutual interests and fostering international cooperation.
The Ambassador also described the visit as an opportunity to seek prayers and blessings as he embarks on his assignment of representing Nigeria in Spain and promoting the country’s image on the global stage.
Speaking after the meeting, Ambassador Ikpeazu said his mission extends beyond traditional diplomacy to projecting a positive narrative about Nigeria and highlighting the country’s immense human and economic potential.
“Today was a significant day in my tour of duty. I deliberately chose my first courtesy visit to His Excellency Archbishop Pierro Pioppo, the Papal Nuncio to the Kingdom of Spain and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, for strategic reasons and to seek his blessings as I embark on this remarkable assignment of representing and rebranding my beloved country.”
He added that Nigeria possesses enormous opportunities that deserve greater international recognition.
“Nigeria is a nation of immense promise. We are blessed with abundant natural resources, a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, and one of the world’s most dynamic youthful populations. My responsibility is to showcase these strengths, promote our vast economic potential, and encourage deeper partnerships that will benefit both Nigeria and our international partners.”
According to Ambassador Ikpeazu, discussions with the Papal Nuncio centred on issues of global peace, the promotion of human dignity, unity among nations, and the shared responsibility of the international community to foster dialogue and cooperation in addressing contemporary global challenges.
He emphasized that meaningful international partnerships must be founded on the principles of mutual respect, equality, justice, and shared responsibility.
“Our conversation focused on the need to work towards global peace and the unity of the human race. I emphasized the importance of collaboration and partnership built on mutual respect and equality, irrespective of race, colour, tribe, or creed. These are enduring values that should continue to guide diplomatic relations and international cooperation.”
The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange views on strengthening understanding among nations and promoting diplomacy as a tool for peaceful coexistence, sustainable development, and inclusive global progress.
Since arriving in Madrid to assume office, Ambassador Ikpeazu has embarked on a series of high-level diplomatic engagements aimed at deepening Nigeria’s relations with the Kingdom of Spain and the wider diplomatic community.
