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NTAC DG Attributes TAC Scheme’s Success to Sacrifice, Pan-African Vision

Published

2 months ago

July 20, 2026

Says President Tinubu’s Support Drives Agency’s Performance

By Joel Ajayi

Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, has attributed the sustained success of the Technical Aid Corps (TAC) Scheme to the spirit of selfless sacrifice and Nigeria’s enduring Pan-African vision, saying the programme remains a symbol of the country’s commitment to the development of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific.

Yakub made the remarks on Monday in Abuja during a reception organised for 11 Nigerian volunteers who successfully completed their two-year technical assistance assignment in The Gambia.

He said the TAC Scheme has continued to project Nigeria’s leadership role in international development cooperation by deploying highly skilled professionals to partner countries to strengthen institutions, build capacity and promote sustainable development.

According to him, the Federal Government’s continued investment in the scheme, despite domestic economic challenges, reflects Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to advancing the welfare of fellow African and Black nations.

“The sacrifices Nigeria continues to make through the Technical Aid Corps Scheme are driven by our Pan-African vision and our belief in shared growth and development. It is a labour of love that demonstrates our commitment to uplifting fellow African and Black nations,” Yakub said.

The NTAC Director-General also credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering support for the agency’s growing achievements, noting that the President’s long-standing commitment to capacity development and international cooperation has strengthened the implementation of the TAC Scheme.

He explained that President Tinubu’s passion for human capital development, even before assuming office, has reinforced Nigeria’s leadership in South-South Cooperation and other international development initiatives currently being driven by NTAC.

Yakub reaffirmed that the agency remains one of Nigeria’s most effective soft-power diplomatic institutions, deploying professionals in critical sectors such as education, engineering, healthcare, public administration, agriculture and law to support development in partner countries.

Earlier, Director of Programmes at NTAC, Ambassador Bello A. Jaye, formally presented the returning volunteers to the Director-General and commended the management of the agency for providing the support and enabling environment that contributed to the success of the assignment.

He praised the volunteers for representing Nigeria with professionalism and dedication, describing them as worthy ambassadors who upheld the country’s reputation throughout their service in The Gambia.

Speaking on behalf of the returning team, Engr. Oyetunji A. Akinlabi expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the NTAC management for their unwavering support during the two-year mission.

He disclosed that the volunteers recorded significant achievements in higher education, judicial development, research, planning and public policy, contributing meaningfully to institutional reforms in The Gambia.

According to Akinlabi, the team developed a University Policy and Conditions of Service for the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET) and also played a key role in the formulation of The Gambia’s National Research Policy Framework.

He added that the volunteers supported reforms in student financing, research administration and other strategic areas aimed at strengthening governance and national development.

“We carried Nigeria’s mission and delivered. We impacted lives, strengthened institutions and demonstrated that Nigeria remains a dependable development partner. The people of The Gambia continue to appreciate Nigeria’s contributions across various sectors,” Akinlabi said.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of Certificates of Service to the returning volunteers in recognition of the successful completion of their foreign assignment.

The event reaffirmed NTAC’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives through technical assistance, knowledge exchange, capacity building and human capital development, while further strengthening the country’s leadership role in promoting sustainable development across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

8 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

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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