………….Ministry of Foreign Affairs is Nigeria’s Window to the World and Must, Therefore, Constantly Showcase to the World We are Doing — Buba, NTAC DG.
The Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, Tuesday, received a delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on a Post-WAES (West Africa Economic Summit) visit. The visit was aimed at appreciating NTAC’s support during the Summit and proposing future collaborations centred on youth engagement and regional development.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Ms. Simi Fajemirokun, Executive Secretary of WAES and Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs on Strategy and Investment Partnership, conveyed heartfelt appreciation to the DG for NTAC’s contribution to the success of the recently held Summit. She noted that a communiqué had been circulated across West Africa, reflecting the collaborative spirit fostered during the event.
Mr. Chinedu, a Personal Assistant to the Hon. Minister and member of the delegation, emphasized the need to engage West African youth through Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Nigerian University programmes. He proposed deeper collaborations with NTAC to sustain post-WAES momentum and drive tangible results.
His key proposals included:
- A Lagos-Cape Verde follow-up journey to monitor WAES outcome implementation;
- A pitch event with cash prizes for youth-led innovation;
- WAES Art Exhibition at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
- Capacity-building workshops for SMEs and start-ups in West Africa and
- Establishment of a mentorship programme for young entrepreneurs in the region.
The delegation clarified that WAES complements ECOWAS, rather than competing with the sub-regional body, for regional advancement.
The NTAC DG appreciated the visit, saying:
“This is the way to go although, we are not used to people or organizations returning just to say ‘thank you’ for what we do. Your visit is deeply appreciated and truly heartwarming. This is the kind of collaboration I always advocated, especially in my years as Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs.”
He emphasized the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ role in soft power diplomacy, while applauding the organizational standard of the just concluded programme.
While highlighting the need for more of such events, the former lawmaker said such activities were the pride of the Nigerian people and pledged NTAC’s support for future collaborations.
The DG also expressed profound appreciation to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, for his exemplary leadership and vision in driving Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements, noting that his efforts have been instrumental in advancing the nation’s interests globally and placing the Ministry justifiably over others across the country.
Ambassador Ahmed Sule, Special Assistant on Diplomacy and Foreign Relations to the Minister, led the delegation to the NTAC complex. He thanked the Agency’s DG for the opportunity to deliver a post-WAES briefing and expressed optimism about future engagements.
The visit concluded with gift presentations to the DG and a renewed commitment to inter-agency collaboration for regional development and youth empowerment.
Signed:
Ojo Adetoun Olubunmi anipr
Head (Information and Public Relations)
July 8, 2025
