OKONKWO SAYS NIGERIA’S IMAGE ABROAD DOES NOT MATCH REALITY

The Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has said Nigeria’s image abroad does not accurately reflect the reality of the country, despite the increasing number of Nigerians relocating overseas in search of better economic and career opportunities. Okonkwo said his personal experience of living and studying abroad, doing international business and travelling frequently had given him a different understanding of how Nigeria is perceived outside the country.

He spoke in Abuja on Sunday at a reception organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in honour of the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Alliance, Prof. Justin Green. Okonkwo said that although Nigerians had different reasons for leaving the country, he personally could not imagine permanently relocating abroad. He said he usually struggled to spend more than a week outside Nigeria before wanting to return, adding that his international exposure had shown him that some perceptions of the country were different from what he knows Nigeria to be.

The businessman also described the “Japa” trend as a long-standing phenomenon and urged Nigerians to use opportunities such as international events to present a broader picture of the country. He said Nigeria may not be perfect, but its international portrayal should not be allowed to overshadow the positive attributes and achievements of its people. According to him, the country should ensure that foreign visitors who attend major events leave with a better understanding of Nigeria.

Okonkwo particularly pointed to the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum and the 37th African Public Relations Association Conference as an opportunity to showcase Nigeria to a global audience. The events are scheduled to hold from November 15 to 21, 2026, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja and are expected to attract about 3,000 delegates from 126 member countries of the Global Alliance. He described Nigeria’s hosting of the gathering as a major opportunity to influence how the country is viewed internationally.

Also speaking, NIPR President Dr Ike Neliaku said hosting the global PR community would allow Nigeria to demonstrate its resilience, diversity and capabilities. Green said Nigeria and Africa already possess resources, culture, businesses and political contributions that attract global attention. The Presidency had earlier 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 NIPR.