The Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, has been honoured with an award, while the Corps featured prominently at the First National Public Dialogue on Governance in the 21st Century, organized by the Department of Local Government and Development Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.
The dialogue, which held on 9th December, 2025, was themed “Beyond Autonomy: Institutionalizing a Developmental Local Government in Nigeria,” and brought together academics, policymakers, development practitioners, and public-sector leaders to deliberate on sustainable strategies for strengthening local governance and democratic development in Nigeria.
The Director-General was represented at the occasion by the Assistant Director, Audit, Mr. Adekola Lawal, who delivered the lead paper on his behalf. Participating as Speaker One, the NTAC representative presented a paper titled “Reimagining Local Government Autonomy: Pathways to Effective Governance in 21st Century Nigeria.” The presentation emphasized the need to move beyond statutory autonomy to functional autonomy driven by institutional capacity, accountability, and people-centred development.
The paper further highlighted the critical role of strong institutions, human capital development, and ethical leadership in repositioning local governments as engines of socio-economic growth. Drawing from Nigeria’s development experience and relevant international best practices, the presentation advocated reforms aimed at strengthening service delivery, promoting transparency, and enhancing citizen participation at the grassroots.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to public service, governance discourse, and national development, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub was presented with an award at the event. The honour reflects his sustained commitment to policy engagement, institutional reform, and the advancement of Nigeria’s development agenda.
Also speaking at the dialogue as Speaker Two was Olorogun (Hon.) Vincent Ogheneruemu Oyibode, JP, FCIA, Executive Chairman of Udu Local Government Area, Delta State, who shared practical insights and experiences on grassroots governance.
The recognition and active participation of the Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps at the dialogue further underscore the Corps’ growing relevance in national policy conversations due to his leadership role in advancing development-oriented governance in Nigeria.
Signed:
Ojo Adetoun Olubunmi , anipr
Head, Information & Public Relations
Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC)
15th December, 2025
