TAC DG Deploys Medical Professionals to Guinea-Bissau Amidst Call for Youth Dialogue.
By Caroline Ameh
The Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (TAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, has reiterated his appeal for Nigerian youth to embrace dialogue rather than participate in the nationwide protest set to begin on August 1.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, during the deployment of 17 TAC Volunteers to Guinea-Bissau, Buba highlighted the significant achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in its first year. He emphasized the need for understanding and support for the administration to achieve its goals, noting that President Tinubu has implemented transformative measures such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the Naira. These decisions, Buba said, have saved the country over N6 trillion.
Buba acknowledged the right to protest but urged that such actions should only be considered if the government is unresponsive to citizens’ concerns. He praised President Tinubu for his responsiveness to national issues, including the creation of the Ministry of Livestock to address farmer-herder conflicts, the signing of the minimum wage bill, the introduction of a scholarship scheme for youth, and the provision of state palliatives. Buba expressed confidence that, despite current challenges, Nigeria is on a path to a promising future.
He cautioned against the potential for protests to be hijacked by miscreants, leading to property destruction, looting, and loss of lives, and urged the youth and supporters of the protest to allow the government an opportunity to address their grievances.
During the event, Buba encouraged the Guinea-Bissau-bound volunteers to contribute positively to Nigeria’s image abroad and adhere to the laws of their host country. He underscored the significance of the TAC Scheme in fostering Nigeria’s foreign relations with African, Caribbean, and Pacific nations and ensuring a successful 24-month voluntary service.
The event was attended by several notable figures, including the Director of Programmes at TAC, Ambassador Zakari Usman; former Director of Programmes at the Agency, Ambassador Mohammed S.Kangiwa; Acting Director of the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, Mrs. Rahila Ayuba Kaura; and the Special Assistant to the DG on Protocol Matters, Lawandy Bala.
The Volunteers, including Team Lead Dr. Mansur Aliyu Ramalan, a General Practitioner, expressed their commitment to the TAC’s vision and pledged to uphold Nigeria’s reputation through their service. Other volunteers, such as Mr. Mannasah N. Michael and Ms. Abai Edidiong Michael, both nursing professionals, also vowed to contribute their best efforts in service of humanity and the promotion of Nigeria’s image abroad.
