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Technical Aid Corps DG Hails Tinubu’s Foreign Policy as Grenada Deployment Begins

Published

1 year ago

July 28, 2025

…Urges Deployed Volunteers to Be Good Ambassadors of Nigeria

Joel Ajayi

The Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support towards strengthening Nigeria’s bilateral relations with Caribbean nations, following the deployment of four Technical Aid Corps Volunteers to Grenada.

In a statement released Monday in Abuja by the Head of Information and Public Relations at NTAC, Ojo Adetoun Olubunmi, the DG emphasized that the deployment aligns with President Tinubu’s directive following his recent state visit to Saint Lucia, where he pledged Nigeria’s technical support to East Caribbean nations.

“Today, we are deploying Volunteers to Grenada, one of the Eastern Caribbean countries. You will recall that Mr. President, during his visit to Saint Lucia, met with the Prime Ministers of the region and committed to providing technical assistance to them. This deployment is in fulfillment of that promise,” Buba stated.

He commended President Tinubu’s visionary 4-D Foreign Policy Initiative, which he said is actively shaping Nigeria’s global image and enhancing South-South cooperation. “The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, fully sponsored by Mr. President, is deploying professionals across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. These deployments are positively raising Nigeria’s profile internationally,” he added.

Speaking at the deployment ceremony held at the NTAC headquarters in Abuja, the DG congratulated the Volunteers on their selection and urged them to carry the spirit of humanitarianism and professionalism to Grenada. “The Grenadian people are our brothers and sisters; serve them with dedication and integrity,” he charged.

Buba highlighted Nigeria’s long-standing commitment to technical diplomacy, noting that the TAC Scheme was established 38 years ago and has since deployed over 10,000 volunteers to more than 40 countries. “You are leaving your comfort zone to serve another nation. Nigeria is proud of your sacrifice,” he said.

He assured the Volunteers of the Agency’s full support throughout their two-year mission, covering airfare, allowances, and welfare as stipulated in the Country Agreement. He also noted that accommodation, local transportation, and utilities will be provided by the host country.

The DG further informed the Volunteers that the Nigerian Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago will oversee their welfare during their stay, encouraging them to report any issues through proper diplomatic channels for prompt resolution.

In his closing remarks, Buba wished the Volunteers a successful mission and encouraged them to return home enriched with experience to contribute to national development.

Earlier, the Director of Programmes at NTAC, Amb. Zakari Usman, praised the DG’s dedication to the success of the Grenada deployment and lauded the Volunteers for their readiness to serve.

Speaking on behalf of the team, Dr. Esala E. Abene expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu and the Nigerian government for the opportunity to represent the country abroad. He pledged to uphold high standards of professionalism and contribute meaningfully to strengthening Nigeria–Grenada relations.

The deployed Volunteers include specialist medical doctors and other health professionals, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to technical aid, diplomacy, and humanitarian service across the globe.

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

Published

11 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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