………….Charges Volunteers on Good representation for Country as Ambassadors.
President Bola Tinubu has been commended for his recent approval to deepen bilateral engagements with countries of the Caribbean region and for his support for the delivery of the mandate of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps.
In a statement in Abuja, Monday, during the deployment of four (4) Technical Aid Corps Volunteers to the Eastern Caribbean country of Grenada, NTAC Director General, Rt.Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub said the Agency’s latest action was in keeping with the directive of Mr. President following his State Visit to Saint Lucia.
The DG said: “Today we are deploying Volunteers to Grenada, one of the East Caribbean countries. You recall that Mr. President was in Saint Lucia, where he met with the Prime Ministers of all the East Caribbean countries. There he made a commitment to deploy support in terms of Technical Assistance to these countries.
“Today’s deployment is, therefore, in line with Mr. President’s directive. We want to thank Mr. President, Commander-in-Chief for his 4-D Foreign Policy Initiative; an initiative that is working for Nigeria and Nigerians. The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps is being sponsored fully by Mr. President. This is why we are deploying these Volunteers all over Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific region.
“This is bringing out the name ‘Nigeria’ in a very positive light because, as you deploy Volunteers to these ACP countries, it is a great thing for which these countries, I am sure, are appreciative of Mr. President’s kind efforts in that regard.”
The event,which took place at the Corps’ complex in Abuja, marked another milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to strengthening international co-operation and humanitarian service in sister African-descended nations.
Buba congratulated the Volunteers on their successful enlistment into the Scheme and urged them to carry the spirit of humanitarianism into their host country, reminding them that “the Grenadians are our brothers and sisters” and, therefore, deserve the best of services
He emphasized that Nigeria, as the largest Black nation and Africa’s biggest economy, instituted the TAC Scheme 38 years ago to provide technical assistance to fellow developing countries in the spirit of South-South Co-operation. Since its inception, the scheme has successfully deployed over 10,000 Volunteers to over 40 countries. The DG lauded the Volunteers for their sacrifice, stating: “You are leaving your comfort behind to serve another nation, and for that, Nigeria is proud of everyone of you.”
While assuring them that NTAC will fully support their mission through airfare, allowances and general welfare as stipulated in the Country Agreement, Buba further explained that the host country will be responsible for accommodation, utilities, and transportation.
The Nigerian Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago, the DG informed, will oversee the welfare of the Volunteers and, again, advised them to channel any concerns or complaints through the Embassy, assuring them of prompt attention.
The DG concluded by wishing them a successful two-year service and encouraged them to return with enriched experience and knowledge to contribute to national development back home.
Earlier in his remarks, Amb. Zakari Usman, Director of Programmes at NTAC, noted the passion of the Director-General, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, towards the success of the Grenada deployment and commended the Volunteers for their willingness to serve.
The Team Lead of the Volunteers, Dr. Esala E. Abene, expressed gratitude to the President and the Nigerian government for the opportunity to serve outside the shores of the country. He pledged to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and to contribute in strengthening the relations between Nigeria and Grenada.
The Volunteers comprise Specialist Medical Doctors and other health professionals.
Signed:
Ojo Adetoun Olubunmi anipr
Head (Information and Public Relations) NTAC
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
July 28, 2025
