An Ekiti born Ayotunde Adigun has etched his name in the records of the Nigerian Embassy in the Kingdom of Spain after emerging as the Most Accessible Immigration Attaché in the history of the mission, a recognition conferred on him by The Nigerian Union in Vitoria Gasteiz on January 16, 2026, barely one year after he assumed office.
The award, which many members of the Nigerian community described as well deserved, was based on what they called his uncommon openness, prompt response to enquiries and consistent engagement with Nigerians seeking immigration services across Spain.
The recognition marked a major moment not only for Adigun personally but also for the Nigerian community in Spain, many of whom have long expressed concerns over delays and communication gaps in accessing immigration related services.
According to community leaders, his tenure has been characterised by a deliberate effort to simplify procedures, provide clear information and ensure that citizens are not left stranded in matters relating to passport processing, documentation and other consular issues. They noted that his readiness to attend community meetings and maintain direct communication channels has strengthened trust between the embassy and Nigerians living in the country.
The honour did not stand alone. On February 17, 2026, the Federation of Nigerian Communities in Spain, the umbrella body representing all Nigerian unions in the country, presented him with an Award of Excellence for Outstanding Service, citing measurable improvements in service delivery and a renewed sense of inclusion among Nigerians in Spain.
The federation explained that feedback gathered from different regions reflected a consistent pattern of accessibility and professionalism, qualities they said were central to the decision to honour him.
Reacting to the awards, Adigun expressed gratitude to the Nigerian community for the confidence reposed in him and stated that his vision from the outset was to redefine public service to Nigerians in the diaspora by making it people centred and result driven. He maintained that accessibility is not an optional attribute of leadership but a fundamental responsibility, especially in an overseas mission where immigration decisions directly affect travel, legal status and family stability.
He dedicated the awards to the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap, acknowledging their leadership and commitment to reforms aimed at improving efficiency and accountability within the service. Observers from Nigeria say the dual recognition reflects a broader shift in diaspora engagement and signals that performance, responsiveness and tangible impact are increasingly becoming the yardstick for evaluating public officers representing Nigeria abroad.