News
NTAC Deploys 35 Medical Professionals To Tanzania
Joel Ajayi
The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), says it is deploying 35 medical professionals to Zanzibar, Tanzania, to bridge both the educational and professional gaps in that country.
Dr Yusuf Yakub, the Director General (DG) of NTAC speaking at the deployment of the professionals comprising nurses and doctors said on Tuesday in Abuja, that the exercise was in line with the mandate of the agency to send volunteers to African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries in need of professionals.
Yakub said, “today is a historic day for the corps and to honour the directive of President Bola Tinubu, using the soft power diplomacy; the corps is sending 35 TAC volunteers to Zanzibar.”
Yakub, a former House of Representative Member, lauded the president for the support he has shown in enhancing the Nigeria foreign policy of Nigeria to bridge the gaps in countries that are in need of professionals.
Also, as an agency that was saddled with the responsibility of promoting soft power diplomacy of the country, the DG said, “we always run with the mandate of Mr President to achieve his four D-4 foreign policy initiative.
“NTAC before its establishment in 1987 our leaders back then usually give cash support to our sister nations within the ACP countries, but in 1987 the leaders decided to send our technical experts to these country to help in enhancing diplomatic relations and cultural exchange.
“So from 1987 to this day , I am proud to say that NTAC has achieve a lot , and we have deployed to over 40,000 countries and we have deployed over 10,000 experts to the ACP countries.
“This is a great achievement for our country, because on Saturday when I was in The Gambia to attend a convocation ceremony, the President, Adama Borrow, was so proud and appreciative of the impact of Nigeria in his country.
“The Vice Chancellor (VC) of the only University in that country was a volunteer of the NTAC in 1999, and also the second VC was also a volunteer, this is amongst other intervention done by NTAC in that country,’’ he said.
He added that in the spirit of the South-South cooperation, it was imperative for fellow African brothers and under-developed countries to come together in bridging the gaps with whatever expertise they have to offer to their African brothers.
Speaking also, Dr Paul Cornelius, who is the team lead for the 35 volunteers, lauded the Federal Government for the initiative to bridge the gaps in the ACP countries.
He pledged to do the country proud while assuring also that the group would supersede the achievements of their predecessors in bringing glory to Nigeria.
Similarly, Mohammed Ibrahim, a pediatric Nurse, expressed gratitude to God for being among the successful volunteers from the 10,000 entries.
He pray that God will grant them the ability to do the needful as requested, and also to be good ambassadors of Nigeria while in their host community.
Mary-Jane Okieze, a registered Nurse, said it was an opportunity for all of the volunteers to go out there and show their skills and to also promote Nigeria in the host community.
She lauded the government through NTAC for the wonderful initiative and promise not to be found wanting in her task, adding that, her job required caring for sick patients and she would be honoured to care for the sick in Zanzibar.
The reports have that the Technical Aid Corps (TAC) professionals going to Zanzibar on primary assignment, will be lecturing and filling the professional gaps in their places of assignment.
NAN
Foreign news
Algeria’s Glorious Revolution: Embassy Marks 72nd Anniversary in Abuja
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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