Benue-born Nigerian Gloria Onahi Uko has been appointed as the Country Representative of Best Diplomats in Nigeria, an international organization known for its work in diplomacy, leadership, negotiation, and youth development. Uko’s appointment was conveyed in an official letter issued to her by the organization. According to the letter, the appointment was made on merit and will be subject to a six-month probationary period, during which her performance, professionalism, and commitment to the organization’s objectives will be evaluated. As the country representative, Uko will represent, promote, and support Best Diplomats’ conferences, programs, and other initiatives in Nigeria throughout her 16-month tenure on the Nigeria desk.
According to reliable sources, we learnt that part of her responsibilities will include building relationships with academic institutions, youth organizations, and diplomatic communities, while also encouraging Nigerians, particularly young people, to participate in the organization’s international conferences and programs. She will also be involved in outreach and public relations activities aimed at increasing awareness of Best Diplomats and its programs in the country. Best Diplomats is an international organization that organizes diplomatic simulations based on institutions such as the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), and the African Union (AU). With its current programs, the organization is seeking to give young people and emerging leaders practical exposure to diplomacy, negotiation, public speaking, critical thinking, and leadership. The organization’s stated mission is to contribute to youth development around the world while promoting a vision of bringing people together and protecting the rights and interests of future generations. It also seeks to help individuals, teams, and organizations develop into diplomats, skilled negotiators, and visionary leaders.
Uko’s appointment comes at a time when the organization is preparing for a number of international programs scheduled to take place in different countries. According to the Best Diplomats’ program calendar, conferences are scheduled to be held in Istanbul, Türkiye, from October 16 to 19, 2026; London, United Kingdom, from November 13 to 16, 2026; and 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.
The organization 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). Those taking part will also learn more about how international organizations work, as well as gain more knowledge of diplomacy, negotiation, and leadership. The different conferences will touch on issues such as food security and energy, as well as the economic effects of war. Those involved will also discuss artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, new digital technologies, humanitarian work, and how nations can work jointly. With her new position, Uko is expected to act as a link between Best Diplomats and young Nigerians, educational institutions, and other stakeholders with an interest in diplomacy, leadership, and international affairs. Uko had been associated with Best Diplomats before she was given the new appointment.
She had previously received foreign scholarships from the organization to participate in its conferences in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Geneva, Switzerland. Uko holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Benue State University, Makurdi. She later obtained a master’s degree in international business and management from the University of Plymouth, England, in 2025, graduating with distinction in her dissertation.
While studying at the University of Plymouth, she also served as the course and students’ representative. Popularly known as Queen Glorious, Uko was crowned Queen of Northern Nigeria in 2020. While she was on the throne, she used her position to support vulnerable people, promote the welfare of the girl child, and help young people through different training and empowerment programs across northern Nigeria. She also carried out a number of outreach programs in communities across the region through the Glorious Outreach Foundation, an organization she founded to support young people and make a positive impact in the lives of others.
Beyond her work in youth development and advocacy, Uko is a member of the Institute for Humanitarian Studies & Social Development (MIHSD) and a volunteer with the Committee for Youth Mobilization & Sensitization (CYMS), Nigeria. She has also taken part in several youth programs both in Nigeria and outside the country.
Her involvement in youth development dates back to her early years, including her participation in the Benue State Children Parliament in 2011 as a child. Her appointment as Best Diplomats’ Country Representative is expected to further broaden her involvement in youth development, diplomacy, and international leadership, while allowing her to connect more Nigerian youths with global programs in these areas.
