NTAC DG Applauds Tinubu’s Support as Nigerian Volunteers Depart for Grenada…Charges Volunteers to Uphold Nigeria’s Image as Ambassadors.
By Caroline Ameh
The Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support in strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic and technical engagements with Caribbean nations.
Yakub made the remarks on Monday during a formal deployment ceremony for four Nigerian Technical Aid Corps Volunteers headed to Grenada, an Eastern Caribbean nation. The event, held at the NTAC headquarters in Abuja, as a follow to President Tinubu’s recent state visit to Saint Lucia, where he pledged to provide technical assistance to countries in the East Caribbean region.
“Today’s deployment is a direct fulfilment of Mr. President’s directive following his meeting with leaders of East Caribbean nations,” Yakub said. “The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, fully sponsored by the Presidency, is reinforcing our presence and goodwill across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. This reflects positively on Nigeria’s image globally.”
The volunteers, who are primarily medical professionals, are expected to serve in Grenada for two years as part of Nigeria’s long-standing commitment to South-South Cooperation. Since its inception 38 years ago, the Technical Aid Corps has deployed over 10,000 volunteers to more than 40 developing countries.
The DG charged the volunteers to embody the spirit of humanitarianism and represent Nigeria with excellence. “Grenadians are our brothers and sisters. You must give them your best. You’re leaving your comfort zone to serve another country, and for that, Nigeria is proud of you,” he said.
He assured the volunteers of the agency’s full support, covering airfare, allowances, and welfare. The Grenadian government, he noted, will provide accommodation, utilities, and internal transportation. The Nigerian Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago will oversee the volunteers’ welfare during their service.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Zakari Usman, Director of Programmes at NTAC, praised the DG’s leadership and commitment to the Grenada deployment.
In a vote of thanks, Dr. Esala E. Abene, who leads the volunteer team, expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu and the Nigerian government for the opportunity to serve. He pledged to uphold high professional standards and work to strengthen Nigeria-Grenada relations.
The deployment marks another step in President Tinubu’s 4-D Foreign Policy Initiative focused on Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora which seeks to position Nigeria as a proactive player in global partnerships.
