Japa: Nigeria’s image abroad far from reality – United Nigeria Airlines chair

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The Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has said he cannot contemplate relocating permanently from Nigeria, despite the growing trend of Nigerians emigrating abroad in search of better economic and career opportunities.

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Okonkwo said he could hardly stay outside Nigeria for more than a week, insisting that the country was not as bad as it was often portrayed internationally.

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He stated this 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.

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Green is in Nigeria ahead of the World Public Relations Forum and the 37th African Public Relations Association Conference, scheduled to take place from November 15 to 21, 2026, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

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Reflecting on the long-standing trend of Nigerians emigrating abroad, Okonkwo said what is now popularly described as “Japa” was not a new phenomenon, but stressed that he personally had no intention of joining the trend.

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The business magnate, who said his international exposure had given him an understanding of how Nigeria was perceived abroad, maintained that the country’s image was often at variance with its reality.

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He said, “We may not be the best country in the world, but we’re not the worst. But the way we are being perceived and portrayed is nothing near to what we are. I am in a good position to say this because I have lived and studied overseas, do business internationally and travel every other month for one thing or the other.

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“And I know that what they think about us over there is not what we are. I cannot see myself spending more than one week outside Nigeria. I will have to return and go back again, so that I will just feel a little bit relaxed. So as you look at me, I’m not ready to ‘Japa’ from Nigeria.

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“So I hope that with this great opportunity, we will all work hard to ensure they (foreign delegation) leave here with expectations that are surpassed.”

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The airline chairman said the forthcoming global PR gathering would give Nigeria an opportunity to showcase its realities to thousands of international visitors expected to attend the event.

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Okonkwo also described Nigeria’s hosting of the forum as one of the most significant opportunities the country had received in decades, arguing that the event could help change international perceptions of the country.

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“I therefore urge the President and other people who matter to understand that what is about to happen is really a very big thing. And I say once again that it is one of the biggest things after Nigerian independence,” he stated.

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Also speaking, the President and Chairman of the Council of the NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, described Okonkwo as a fellow of the institute for more than two decades.

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Neliaku said Nigeria’s ability to host the global PR community was an opportunity to demonstrate the country’s resilience, diversity and capacity to the world.

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He said, “Nigeria is a great country. No nation is greater than this country on earth. In spite of all we have gone through as a people, we are still smiling, happy, and celebrating. That is the mark of greatness and the resilience of Nigerians.”

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Neliaku also praised Green for his role in promoting greater African participation in the Global Alliance.

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Responding, Green said Nigeria and Africa did not need to explain their value to the rest of the world, saying the continent’s resources, culture, business and political contributions were already being recognised internationally.

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“Let me tell you, I have travelled around the world. You don’t need to tell anyone about Nigeria or Africa’s story. They already know, because Africa is a continent that is proud of all its resources, business, culture, and politics. It is a very rich continent, and every one of you should be very proud.

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“There is no need for people to be under the illusion that Africa or Nigeria should be telling its own story. This is because the world is watching Africa, and you have shown the world what you can do. They are very proud of your country,” he noted.

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The forthcoming World Public Relations Forum is expected to attract about 3,000 delegates from 126 member countries of the Global Alliance.

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The Presidency had, on August 20, 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.

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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.

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