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NTAC DG Restates FG’s Commitment to Provision of Technical Aid to Seychelles

Published

2 years ago

January 15, 2025

…As Recipient Country Advances More Requests for Volunteers in Diverse Fields

Joel Ajayi

delegation of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps led by the Agency’s Director General,Rt.Hon.Yusuf Buba Yakub last week met with some officials of Government of Seychelles in Victoria.It also met with some TAC Volunteers serving in that country.
The delegation was in the country to strengthen bilateral relations that exist between the country and the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the area of technical aid and, equally,use the opportunity to monitor the progress of the TAC Scheme Volunteers serving in that country.

During a meeting with officials of the Ministry of Health in Seychelles,the NTAC Director General reiterated the support of the Federal Government for the continuous provision of technical skills to the country through the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC).

Rt.Hon.Buba also informed his hosts that since the establishment of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps in 1987,the Corps has consistently sent over 10000 highly skilled professionals in diverse fields of expertise to over forty countries in Africa,the Caribbean and Pacific countries, reinforcing the importance of the Scheme to Nigeria’s Foreign Policy goals.

He also told his guests that these professionals have continued to make significant differences in such sectors as Education, Engineering, Medical Services, Nursing and Medical Statistics in the lives of citizens of countries where they have served or are currently serving.Consequent upon the foregoing,the NTAC DG welcomed the requests of the Ministry in the areas of their interests.

Responding, the Principal Secretary at the Seychelles’ Ministry of Health,Dr.Bernard Valentin thanked the NTAC delegation for its visit to their country.He praised the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria for its very robust and productive TAC Scheme, while acknowledging that the Scheme has continued to strengthen the capacity of some of the country’s professionals to deliver on their mandates and has also aided the filling of the many skills gaps that also exist in their country .

Dr.Valentin also informed the NTAC delegation that the Ministry would formally send to Nigeria its request for Volunteer Medical Doctors,Nurses, Engineers as well as Medical Statisticians through the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The NTAC DG was accompanied on the visit by the Ag.High Commissioner of Nigerian to Kenya with concurrent accreditation to Seychelles,Amb.Aliyu Mande as well as Amb.Usman Zakari,the Director of Programmes at the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps.

Among those who attended the meeting on the side of the Seychelles’ Ministry of Health led by the Principal Secretary, were:Dr.Susan Fock Tave,Chief Medical Officer;Dr.Gylian Mein,Chief Nursing Officer as well as Ms Betty-May Bibi, International Co-operation Officer.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

18 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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