Foreign news
DG NTAC Inspires 18 Volunteers Departing for Liberia, Rwanda: ‘Go With Your Strengths’
Joel Ajayi
The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) has deployed 18 volunteers—12 to Liberia and 6 to Rwanda—under the Technical Aid Corps Scheme, in another demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to international cooperation and soft power diplomacy.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the Head of Information and Public Relations, NTAC, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ojo Adetoun Olubunmi, the deployment was described as part of Nigeria’s longstanding tradition of offering technical support to friendly nations.
Delivering his keynote address, the Director-General of NTAC, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Yusuf Buba Yakub, welcomed the volunteers and praised their readiness to serve. He linked the success of the scheme to the visionary 4D foreign policy agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which, he noted, has further elevated Nigeria’s global image.
“The President’s passion and funding support have made Nigeria a pride to all nations of the world,” he said.
Highlighting the Corps’ legacy, Buba recalled that since its establishment 38 years ago, NTAC has deployed more than 10,000 Nigerian experts to over 40 African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries, fostering cultural exchange, friendship, and humanitarian service.
Charging the volunteers to be worthy ambassadors, he declared:
“Leave behind your weaknesses and go with your strengths. You are now technical diplomats carrying official passports. Conduct yourselves in a way that shows the world that Nigerians are good, well-trained people.”
He further urged them to embrace contentment, manage resources wisely, and return as more skilled and experienced professionals. Buba also reminded them of the many TAC alumni who went on to achieve remarkable feats, including serving as Vice-Chancellors of universities.
Earlier, Amb. Zakari Usman, Director of Programmes at NTAC, commended the DG’s leadership and applauded President Tinubu’s vision, assuring the volunteers that their deployment is both a privilege and a national responsibility.
“You are a direct reflection of Nigeria; carry yourselves as such,” he charged.
Speaking on behalf of the team, Professor Solomon Ogbu, the Team Leader, expressed gratitude for the rare opportunity, promising that they would justify the trust placed in them. He noted Rwanda’s reputation as one of Africa’s cleanest and most hospitable nations, adding:
“We go in good faith, and we will excel.”
The ceremony concluded with group photographs, symbolizing NTAC’s continued role in advancing service, international cooperation, and Nigeria’s image abroad.
Foreign news
Pakistan Moves to Deepen Diplomatic, Economic Relations With Nigeria
The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has called for deeper diplomatic and economic ties with the Nigerian government to foster development for both countries.
Mr Rana Ihsaan, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during his working vist to Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja.
NAN reports that the visiting Coordinator held a closed-door meeting with Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
After the meeting, he said that both both sides had agreed on deepening relations in the areas of trade and commerce, among others.
Ihsaan said that both countries must see the need to accelerate efforts towards a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).
He said that Pakistan had already submitted a draft BTA and was awaiting Nigeria’s response.
According to him, discussions centered on easing visa processes, expanding educational exchanges, and strengthening Cooperation in sectors such as Minerals, Youth training, and Defence were highlighted.
Ihsaan said that Pakistan had already implemented visa-on-arrival for Nigerians at no cost, and urged Nigeria to reciprocate to enhance people-to-people ties.
He stressed the importance of high-level engagements between both nations, describing Nigeria and Pakistan as very similar countries with large populations, youthful demographics, and vast economic potentials.
“Deeper collaboration will unlock opportunities in trade, education and investment, while further solidifying long-standing diplomatic relations,” he said.
He said that aside from visiting the foriegn Minister and other top government officials in Nigeria, he was also in the country to attend the on-going West Africa Beauty Exhibition holding in Lagos.
He described the exhibition as one of the continent’s largest cosmetic fairs, adding that he led a delegation of 19 Pakistani business people exploring Nigeria’s estimated 10 million dollar beauty and cosmetics market.
Ihsaan said that Nigeria was a gateway to Africa, adding that Pakistani products, like cosmetics, Textiles, Pharmaceuticals, Food items and Sports goods were already gaining traction in the country.
He encouraged Pakistani exhibitors to establish offices, Warehouses and logistics partnerships to strengthen their foothold in the Nigerian market.
Ihsaan further addressed concerns from Nigerian businesses on the ease of doing business in Pakistan.
He said that the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan had been supporting Nigerian participants at major exhibitions to achieve the ease of doing business.
“The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) serves as a one-stop platform for Nigerians interested in investing in Pakistan,” he said
Culled from NAN
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