News
NTAC Boss Showcases 2-Year Gains, Eyes Nigeria’s Rise as Global Talent Hub
By Joel Ajayi
The Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, has unveiled the agency’s achievements over the past two years, projecting Nigeria’s growing role as a global hub of skilled manpower.
Speaking at a media chat in Abuja to mark his second anniversary in office, Yakub reflected on the strides made under his leadership, the challenges surmounted, and the vision driving NTAC’s future. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, noting that his tenure, which began in August 2023, has been guided by the President’s directive to “hit the ground running.”
On assumption of office, Yakub inherited 198 volunteers in service and pressing financial difficulties, including unpaid salaries and a ₦300 million debt. With sustained federal support, he said the Corps cleared its debts and ramped up deployments. “From September 2023 till date, we have been deploying 2–3 times every month without fail,” he stated, emphasizing that Nigeria has maintained a consistent presence on the global stage.
He credited President Tinubu’s 4D foreign policy—Democracy, Demography, Diaspora, and Development—for revitalizing NTAC, calling the scheme “a key instrument of Nigeria’s soft power diplomacy.” Since its inception, over 10,000 Nigerian experts have been deployed to more than 40 countries, with many rising to leadership roles abroad, including Vice-Chancellors in The Gambia.
Yakub also highlighted reforms within the Corps, ranging from renovation of office infrastructure to provision of buses and welfare upgrades. He revealed that by October 2025, NTAC will have 450 volunteers in active service, achieving nearly 90% of its deployment target.
Looking to the future, he announced plans to reposition NTAC not only as a platform for volunteerism but also as a structured hub for exporting Nigerian manpower. He disclosed ongoing talks with host governments and international bodies like the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to create paid placements, citing Jamaica’s request for 400 skilled experts as proof of Nigeria’s growing human capital demand.
“Our work reflects the President’s 4D vision in practice,” Yakub noted. “Every deployment contributes to development, strengthens diaspora ties, and showcases the vibrancy of Nigeria’s demography. This is how we position our nation as a global talent hub.”
He urged young Nigerians to embrace the opportunities NTAC offers, describing the scheme as a pathway for personal growth, service, and national pride. “We are not just exporting expertise; we are raising leaders who will return to rebuild Nigeria,” he affirmed.
The event ended with group photographs, underscoring NTAC’s renewed commitment to service, accountability, and Nigeria’s leadership in global development through soft power diplomacy.
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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