Foreign news

DG NTAC Inspires 18 Volunteers Departing for Liberia, Rwanda: ‘Go With Your Strengths’

Published

1 year ago

September 16, 2025

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.

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Foreign news

Algeria’s Glorious Revolution: Embassy Marks 72nd Anniversary in Abuja

Published

1 day ago

November 12, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Embassy of Algeria in Nigeria has commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the country’s Glorious Revolution of November 1, 1954, with a reception in Abuja, highlighting Algeria’s liberation struggle and strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria.

The event, held on November 9, 2026, at Continental Suites Hotel, attracted prominent personalities, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, members of the Federal Government, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and other friends of Algeria.

Speaking at the reception, Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, welcomed guests and paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.

He described the November 1, 1954 revolution as the foundation of modern Algeria, noting that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs made it possible for the country to reclaim its sovereignty.

On Algeria’s development agenda, Mezoued said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration had continued to pursue economic reforms, diversification and national development under its New Algeria vision.

He noted that the country was recording progress in non-hydrocarbon exports, while improvements in the business environment had boosted investor confidence and attracted significant foreign investments.

On foreign policy, the ambassador reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to non-interference, respect for national sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and the right of peoples to self-determination.

Addressing security challenges in the Sahel, he stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved through military measures alone, insisting that economic development, inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes remained essential.

Turning to Nigeria-Algeria relations, Mezoued described the partnership as one founded on shared values and the commitment of both countries’ leaders to advancing African development.

He identified the Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone as major strategic projects receiving attention from both countries.

The ambassador also disclosed that Algeria had continued to provide scholarships to Nigerian students to strengthen human capital development and capacity building.

He further announced that Air Algérie expanded its Nigerian operations on October 26, 2026, with the introduction of two weekly flights to Lagos, expressing confidence that the service would boost trade and tourism.

Looking ahead, Mezoued said 2027 would offer fresh opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly through the fifth Joint High Bi-National Commission scheduled to hold in Abuja.

He expressed optimism that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess existing partnerships, identify new areas of cooperation and move Nigeria-Algeria relations towards a more practical and results-driven phase.

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