News
Every Kobo Spent on NTAC Scheme Benefits Nigerians – DG Yakub
…As NTAC Hosts Transition Ceremonies for 22 Volunteers to and 15 Others from The Gambia, Celebrates Achievements and Future Prospects
By Joel Ajayi
The Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, has reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of all NTAC volunteers serving in various parts of the world under the agency’s biennial programme.
Yakub emphasized that every kobo spent on the scheme is an investment in Nigerians, as the programme not only enhances national image but builds human capital and promotes global development cooperation.
He made this known in a statement signed by the Head of Information and Public Relations, Ojo Adetoun Olubunmi, on Friday, during a transition ceremony hosted at the NTAC headquarters in Abuja.
According to him, “President Tinubu is totally committed to the welfare of all volunteers. Every kobo spent in implementing the TAC programme is spent on Nigerians, wherever they are posted across the world to serve.”
The DG further stressed Nigeria’s growing recognition as a source of quality technical manpower and reaffirmed the country’s dedication to its foreign policy of development, cooperation, and international solidarity. “Nigeria is not lacking in the skills required for technical assistance to sister nations in Africa, the Caribbean, and Pacific regions,” he noted.
The occasion marked the joint transition of 15 returning volunteers who completed their two-year assignments at the University of The Gambia, and the formal deployment of 22 new volunteers embarking on similar missions.
Speaking at the event, Yakub commended both the outgoing and returning groups for their dedication and professionalism, highlighting the success of Nigeria’s 4D Foreign Policy strategy — especially the Development pillar under which NTAC operates.
He described the service rendered abroad not as a loss to Nigeria but a strategic gain in terms of international reputation, knowledge transfer, and professional development. Using a vivid metaphor, Yakub said, “When fish is raised in a river, it can only go so far. But in the ocean, it becomes a leader among its kind. You are ocean-bred now — go forward and lead.”
He likened the volunteers’ experience to an academic sabbatical, where they return more refined and prepared to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.
To the returning volunteers, he expressed deep appreciation for their impact, noting notable achievements such as the establishment of the first Psychology programme at the University of The Gambia, the launch of a Department of Forestry, and the mentorship of the institution’s first MSc and PhD graduates.
Addressing the newly deployed team, Yakub charged them to serve with dignity, reminding them of their role as Nigerian ambassadors. He assured them of the Federal Government’s support through allowances and other welfare provisions, while the host country, in line with the Tripartite Country Agreement, would provide housing, utilities, and local transport.
He further advised them to maintain close communication with the Nigerian Embassy in The Gambia, assuring that any complaints or challenges would be swiftly addressed through the proper diplomatic channels.
In a heartfelt address, Professor Joseph Kur, team leader of the returning volunteers, thanked the Federal Government and NTAC for the opportunity to serve abroad. He described their two-year mission as rewarding and transformative, both professionally and personally. He noted with pride that all 15 volunteers returned safely and were each honored with Certificates of Excellent Service by the University of The Gambia.
Professor Abubakar Musa Kundiri, the team lead of the outgoing volunteers, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the NTAC leadership. He pledged that the 22 carefully selected professionals would serve with integrity and bring positive impact to their host institutions.
The event concluded with group photographs, symbolizing unity, transition, and NTAC’s enduring commitment to using technical expertise as a powerful tool for diplomacy, development, and national pride.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
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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