The Nigerian government through the Nigerian Technical Aids Corps NTAC has deployed four skilled Volunteers to Jamaica for advancing South-South cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations with Sisters’s countries.
Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Mr. Yusuf Buba Yakub through his Head Information an Public Relations, Ojo Olubunmi said the occasion for the deployment of four skilled volunteers to Jamaica was in line with President’s commitment to advancing South-South cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations with Sisters’s countries and his current visit to St.Lucia.
“The deployment aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, highlighting Nigeria’s strategic use of Technical Diplomacy to extend support, foster development partnerships, and project the country’s soft power on the global stage,” Mr Buba Yakubu explained.
The Director-General,who was represented by Ambassador Saidu Mohammad, Deputy Director, Administration at the Agency, charged the volunteers to remain exemplary ambassadors of the nation and to uphold the values and dignity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria throughout their assignment.
“As practical and real-time ambassadors of Nigeria to Jamaica and the entire Caribbean and the Americas, I charge you to create a niche for yourselves that demonstrates unique and exemplary qualities that will be a benchmark for other volunteers after you,” the DG stated.
The DG emphasised the strategic relevance of the deployment, not only to Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives but also in reinforcing the nation’s image as a dependable development partner.
While expressing his deepest condolences on behalf of the DG and the entire Management of NTAC with regards to the unfortunate passing of one of the prospective Volunteers who ought to have been a member of the current batch of Volunteers,Amb.Mohammad called for a minute silence for the peaceful repose of the soul of the intending Volunteer.
The four volunteers Specialise in various fields, including nursing and public health education are :
Dr. Umar Nda Jibril, Nursing, Gbenga-Ige Omobolola Victoria, Clinical Nursing, Alu Ashegi David, Public Health Education, and Dr. Chukwudi Ndu, Psychiatry.
The Team Lead, Dr. Chukwudi Ndu,a PhD holder in Nursing expressed enthusiasm for joining the programme and thanked the NTAC for the opportunity to serve the nation. He assured the Corps of the unwavering commitment of the Volunteers to excellence, national pride and selfless service.
The Volunteers will spend two years in Jamaica, contributing their skills and expertise to the development of the host country while promoting Nigeria’s interests and values.
The Assistant Director Programmes of the Agency Mr. Feyintola Adebowale, who spoke for the Director of Programmes emphasised the value of commitment to duties in pursuit of excellence.
“We encourage the volunteers to approach their assignments with professionalism, patriotism, and cultural sensitivity, noting that their contribution would further strengthen ties between Nigeria and Jamaica while fostering mutual respect and growth.
” The Director emphasised
The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) is an agency under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, established to promote Nigeria’s soft power diplomacy by deploying professionals to African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries. Since its inception in 1987, NTAC has deployed over 10,000 volunteers to over 40 countries, contributing significantly to their socio-economic development.
The event was attended by many members of the NTAC Management, including Foreign Service Officers and other staff.
Lateefah Ibrahim