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
Ex-NYSC Spokesperson Advises Corps Members to Uphold Patriotism and Play Active Roles in Developing the Nation
Joel Ajayi
Corps Members have been advised to be patriotic towards National building and also use the opportunities of NYSC service year to positively invest in their future.
The immediate past Director of Information and Public Relations of NYSC, Chief Eddy Megwa, stated this during his motivational lecture to Corps Members at the Bauchi State Orientation Camp, Wailo, Ganjuwa Local Government Area of the State.
Addressing the 2025 Batch ‘C’ Corps Members, Chief Megwa urged them to serve the nation with loyalty and strong sense of commitment, adding that, no nation grows without the selfless services of her citizens, he therefore urged them to rise up and make the desired change.
The Retired Director, urged the Corps Members to deliberately work towards building a great nation that would compete among the comity of nations, because, “if things are working very well, the youths will not be desperate about relocating to other countries of the world for greener pastures”.
He discouraged the youths from irregular migration, describing it as a suicide mission, because of many risks associated with it, including avoidable deaths, jail terms among others, but equally advised them to follow the official travelling protocol if the need for foreign trip arises.
He also encouraged the Corps Members to strive for excellence in whatever they do, adding that they should leverage on the achievements of their predecessors.
“Do not put your names and your families’ names into disrepute by getting involved in crimes and other unwholesome activities. NYSC is not a safe haven for criminals”, he said.
The former image maker of NYSC described the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme of the NYSC as the panacea to graduate unemployment. He therefore advised the Corps Members to take advantage of the SAED programme by learning skills that would be useful and enable them become entrepreneurs.
He emphasized that the days of white collar jobs are over as the reality of today is self employment which is made possible by embracing Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship training.
The Public Relations guru advised the Corps Members Members to be security conscious as vigilance and self consciousness of their environment are key to personal safety.
Earlier, the NYSC Bauchi State Coordinator, Mr Kufre Umoren appreciated the retired Director for the visit and his words of motivation to both camp officials and Corps Members.
The Coordinator described Chief Megwa as a living legend that shaped the NYSC Public Relations Unit to what it is today and left his footprints boldly.
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