NTAC DG Lauds President Tinubu on Partnership With Caribbean Countries As The Agency Deploys Volunteers To Jamaica
By Joel Ajayi
The Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for strengthening Nigeria’s ties with Caribbean nations, particularly through his ongoing visit to St. Lucia.
Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja during the deployment ceremony of four skilled Nigerian volunteers to Jamaica, the DG, represented by Ambassador Saidu D. Mohammad, Deputy Director, Administration at NTAC, highlighted the move as part of President Tinubu’s commitment to deepening South-South Cooperation and fostering strong bilateral relationships with sister nations.
The deployment aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and underscores Nigeria’s strategic use of Technical Diplomacy to promote development partnerships, extend support to allied nations, and project the country’s soft power globally.
Amb. Mohammad, while addressing the outgoing volunteers, urged them to serve as exemplary ambassadors of the country and uphold the values, dignity, and integrity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria throughout their assignment in Jamaica.
> “This deployment is not just a routine exercise but a key element of Nigeria’s foreign policy, reinforcing our image as a dependable development partner,” he stated.
In a moment of solemn reflection, Amb. Mohammad expressed condolences on behalf of the DG and NTAC management over the recent passing of one of the prospective volunteers who was meant to be part of the current batch. A minute of silence was observed in honour of the deceased.
The Four Volunteers Deployed to Jamaica Include:
Dr. Umar Nda Jibril – Specialty: Nursing
Gbenga-Ige Omobolola Victoria – Specialty: Clinical Nursing
Alu Ashegi David – Specialty: Public Health Education
Dr. Chukwudi Ndu – Specialty: Psychiatry
Amb. Mohammad emphasized the critical nature of their mission, describing them as “real-time ambassadors of Nigeria” to Jamaica and the wider Caribbean and Americas. He charged them to carve a niche for themselves through their professionalism and exemplary conduct, setting a benchmark for future volunteers.
Dr. Chukwudi Ndu, the Team Lead and a Ph.D. holder in Nursing, expressed gratitude to NTAC for the opportunity and pledged the team’s dedication to service, national pride, and excellence.
“We are honoured to represent Nigeria and committed to making meaningful contributions that will reflect the best of our country,” he said.
The volunteers will spend two years in Jamaica, offering their expertise in healthcare and education, while promoting Nigeria’s values, culture, and foreign policy interests.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Feyintola Adebowale, Assistant Director of Programmes, reiterated the importance of dedication, patriotism, and professionalism. He stressed that the volunteers’ service would deepen bilateral relations and foster mutual respect between Nigeria and Jamaica.
About NTAC
The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) is an agency under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, established in 1987 to promote Nigeria’s soft power diplomacy. It achieves this by deploying qualified professionals to African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries. To date, NTAC has deployed over 10,000 volunteers to more than 40 countries, contributing significantly to their socio-economic development.
The ceremony was attended by senior NTAC officials, Foreign Service Officers, and other staff of the agency.
