The Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has expressed his commitment to staying in Nigeria despite the growing trend of Nigerians emigrating abroad in search of better economic and career opportunities. He stated that he could hardly stay outside Nigeria for more than a week, emphasizing that the country was not as bad as it was often portrayed internationally. Okonkwo made these remarks at a reception organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in Abuja.
Okonkwo's comments reflect his understanding of how Nigeria is perceived abroad, which he believes is far from reality. With his international exposure, he has gained insight into the country's image globally. He noted that while Nigeria may not be the best country in the world, it is also not the worst. Okonkwo emphasized that his experiences living and studying overseas, doing business internationally, and traveling frequently have given him a unique perspective on Nigeria's global image.
The business magnate expressed his enthusiasm for the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum and the 37th African Public Relations Association Conference, scheduled to take place in Abuja from November 15 to 21, 2026. He described Nigeria's hosting of the forum as one of the most significant opportunities the country had received in decades. Okonkwo believes that the event could help change international perceptions of Nigeria and showcase its realities to thousands of international visitors.
The World Public Relations Forum is expected to attract about 3,000 delegates from 126 member countries of the Global Alliance. The Presidency has assured the organisers of its support for the event, which is being organised in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, gave the assurance when he received members of the WPRF Abuja 2026 Planning Committee at the State House, Abuja.
Also speaking at the reception, the President and Chairman of the Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr Ike Neliaku, praised Okonkwo as a fellow of the institute for more than two decades. Neliaku described Nigeria as a great country, highlighting its resilience, diversity, and capacity. He emphasized that Nigeria's ability to host the global PR community was an opportunity to demonstrate its strengths to the world.
The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Alliance, Prof. Justin Green, who was also present at the reception, noted that Nigeria and Africa did not need to explain their value to the rest of the world. Green emphasized that the continent's resources, culture, business, and political contributions were already being recognised internationally. He encouraged Nigerians to be proud of their country and its achievements.
The event provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss Nigeria's image and its implications for the country's development. With the World Public Relations Forum and the African Public Relations Association Conference approaching, Nigeria is poised to showcase its realities to a global audience. The forum is expected to provide a unique opportunity for Nigeria to change international perceptions and demonstrate its strengths.
Key points
- United Nigeria Airlines chair Prof. Obiora Okonkwo says Nigeria's image abroad doesn't reflect its reality.
- Okonkwo expresses commitment to staying in Nigeria despite growing emigration trend.
- Nigeria to host World Public Relations Forum and African Public Relations Association Conference in Abuja.
