NTAC Briefs 10 Volunteers Ahead Of Deployment To Sierra Leone
…….Leave Your Weaknesses Behind, Take Your Strengths and Excellence Abroad — NTAC DG.
The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) has briefed ten (10) Nigerian volunteers ahead of their deployment to the Republic of Sierra Leone for a two-year assignment under the Technical Aid Corps Programme.
The briefing and orientation exercise, held at the NTAC Conference Room, Abuja, was organised to prepare the volunteers for their professional responsibilities and acquaint them with the expectations, requirements and responsibilities of representing Nigeria in their host country.
Addressing the volunteers, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NTAC, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, appreciated the Federal Government for its continued support for the Technical Aid Corps Programme and commended the volunteers for their willingness to serve Nigeria and humanity beyond the country’s borders.
The DG charged the volunteers to see their assignment as an opportunity to serve humanity, contribute to the development of their host country and promote Nigeria’s image abroad.
He reminded them that they would not be going to Sierra Leone merely as professionals, but as representatives and ambassadors of Nigeria, stressing the importance of character, discipline, humility and professionalism.
«“You are going out as Nigerians, and you are going out not just as a Nigerian, but as Nigeria. We are sending Nigeria out there.”»
The Director-General urged the volunteers to focus on their strengths and expertise, rather than their limitations, while maintaining a high standard of professional conduct throughout their two-year assignment.
«“Leave your weaknesses behind and go with your strengths. Serve with humility, discipline and professionalism, and make Nigeria proud,” he said.»
Rt. Hon. Buba Yakub explained that the Technical Aid Corps Programme remains an important instrument of Nigeria’s soft-power diplomacy and South-South cooperation, through which Nigerian professionals are deployed to partner countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific to share their expertise, technical knowledge and human resources.
He noted that previous NTAC volunteers had made significant contributions in their host countries, with some attaining senior professional and academic positions, including Vice-Chancellorship and Deputy Vice-Chancellorship positions in The Gambia.
The DG expressed confidence that the Sierra Leone-bound volunteers would uphold Nigeria’s reputation and build on the achievements of those who had served before them.
On their welfare, the Director-General assured the volunteers that NTAC would fulfil its responsibilities regarding applicable allowances, travel arrangements and other entitlements in accordance with the terms of their deployment. He added that accommodation, utilities and transportation to and from their places of work would be provided by the beneficiary country in line with the deployment arrangements.
Earlier, the Director of Programmes, Amb. Bello A. Jaye, welcomed the volunteers and commended the Director-General for his continued support for the activities of the Programmes Department.
He disclosed that the volunteers had successfully undergone the required selection and interview processes, and wished them a safe journey and a successful tour of duty in Sierra Leone.
Speaking on behalf of the volunteers, the Team Lead, Prof. Moses Z. Zaruwa, expressed appreciation to the management of NTAC for the opportunity to serve Nigeria abroad and assured that the team would work together diligently and make the country proud.
The briefing was followed by a technical orientation session facilitated by NTAC resource persons and relevant officials, during which the volunteers received further guidance on their assignments, professional conduct, welfare arrangements and other practical aspects of their deployment.
The exercise concluded with words of encouragement from NTAC Management and a group photograph with the Director-General and the volunteers.
The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps remains committed to deploying competent Nigerian professionals to partner countries and strengthening Nigeria’s contribution to international technical cooperation through the sharing of expertise and technical know-how.
Ojo Adetoun Olubunmi, anipr
Head, Information & Public Relations,
Nigerian Technical Aid Corps ( NTAC )
21 September 2026
