Best Diplomats Appoints Benue-Born Gloria Uko Nigeria Representative

Benue-born Nigerian, Gloria Onahi Uko, has been appointed Country Representative of Best Diplomats in Nigeria, an international organisation focused on diplomacy, leadership, negotiation and youth development.

The appointment was contained in a letter issued to Uko by the organisation.

According to the letter, the appointment is based on merit and subject to a six-month probationary period, during which her performance, professionalism and commitment to the organisation’s mission will be assessed.

As Country Representative, Uko will represent, promote and support Best Diplomats’ conferences and initiatives during her 16-month tenure on the Nigeria desk.

Her responsibilities include engaging academic institutions, youth organisations and diplomatic circles, promoting participation in the organisation’s international conferences, and supporting outreach and public relations activities.

Best Diplomats conducts diplomatic simulations modelled on institutions including the United Nations, European Union and African Union, with programmes focused on diplomacy, negotiation, critical thinking, public speaking and leadership.

The organisation is scheduled to hold conferences in Istanbul, Türkiye, from October 16 to 19, 2026; London, United Kingdom, from November 13 to 16, 2026; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from January 28 to 30, 2027; New Jersey, United States, from March 29 to April 1, 2027; Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from May 28 to 31, 2027; and Geneva, Switzerland, from July 19 to 22, 2027.

It is also scheduled to hold a United Nations Immersion Programme in Geneva from November 2 to 6, 2026, in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).

The programme is designed to expose participants to international organisations and practical aspects of diplomacy, negotiation, leadership and multilateralism.

The organisation said its upcoming programmes will address issues including global food security, energy, the economics of war, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, humanitarian diplomacy and international cooperation.

Uko had previously received foreign scholarships from Best Diplomats to participate in conferences in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Geneva, Switzerland.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Benue State University, Makurdi, and a Master of Science degree in International Business and Management from the University of Plymouth, England, which she obtained in 2025.

She completed her master’s dissertation with distinction and also served as the course/students’ representative at the University of Plymouth.

Uko, popularly known as Queen Glorious, was Queen of Northern Nigeria in 2020.

During her reign, she championed initiatives focused on the downtrodden, girl-child development and youth empowerment and training across northern Nigeria.

She also founded the Glorious Outreach Foundation, through which she carried out outreaches across northern Nigeria.

Uko is a member of the Institute for Humanitarian Studies and Social Development (MIHSD) and a volunteer with the Committee for Youth Mobilisation and Sensitisation (CYMS), Nigeria.

She also participated in youth programmes within Nigeria and beyond, including the Benue State Children Parliament in 2011.