The Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Dr Yusuf Yakub, says Nigerians will for a long time remember the outstanding impact of the Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, on the nation’s leadership.
Dr Yakub, who stated this in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, as part of a birthday message sent to the minister, who turned 59 on Thursday, prayed for more wisdom and the strength of body and mind to continue serving Nigeria in various capacities.
“I have the honour to, indeed, join your numerous well-wishers, admirers and proteges across the entire globe to celebrate your birthday as you turn a new bend in the race of years.
“As is publicly known, your wisdom, personal sacrifices, characteristic brilliance and the nationalistic ethos you have displayed in the service of our nation these past years truly set you apart from other leaders as one whose memories will linger long in the heart of the nation.
“As you celebrate this current milestone, we, who are divinely privileged to share paths with you these past years, will perpetually continue to appreciate you for all that you mean to us and for the nation.
“For myself and my family, and on behalf of the management and staff of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, which by the grace of God, the magnanimity of our dear President and the guidance of your kind self I currently lead, we pray that you continually find the wisdom and the strength of mind and body as you serve our nation and people in diverse capacities.
“May Allah (SWT) bless your new age, Honourable Minister,” the text concluded.
Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, a former member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives and current Minister of Foreign Affairs, has in the last few years of President Tinubu’s administration continued to redefine Nigeria’s foreign policy goals through many innovative and pragmatic initiatives, including the Tinubu Doctrine, the 4-D foreign policy framework of Democracy, Development, Demography and the Diaspora.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where the Bauchi State-born politician and diplomat holds sway, has at various times during the current administration been adjudged the best-performing ministry by a number of authorities across the country and beyond.
Ambassador Tuggar will be remembered for his deep intellect and the engaging persona he deploys in public leadership.