Joel Ajayi
The Yoruba Youth Assembly (YYA), led by its President, Hon. Olarinde Thomas, has honoured the Nigeria Technical Aid Corps (TAC) with the prestigious 2025 Federal Agency of the Year Award.
The announcement was made during a strategic meeting of the Assembly and its 38 affiliated youth organisations held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Hon. Thomas explained that the recognition was conferred in acknowledgment of TAC’s “remarkable contributions to youth development, foreign diplomacy, and Nigeria’s global visibility.”
DG Yusuf Buna Yakub Commended for Transformational Leadership
The YYA President paid glowing tribute to the Director-General of TAC, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buna Yakub, applauding his visionary and result-oriented leadership since assuming office on August 23, 2023. He stated that the DG has “repositioned the agency to a level of excellence in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
According to him, Yakub’s commitment has strengthened TAC’s mandate, rejuvenated international cooperation, and expanded meaningful opportunities for young Nigerians within and outside the country.
The Yoruba Youth Assembly highlighted several achievements that earned TAC the award, including:
Advancing International Cooperation: TAC has deepened Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement by deploying skilled professionals to partner countries, enhancing bilateral and multilateral relationships.
Empowering Youth Through Global Exposure: Thousands of young Nigerian professionals have benefited from TAC’s volunteer programmes, gaining international experience, capacity building, and exposure to global standards.
Promoting Nigeria’s Foreign Policy: The Corps has supported Nigeria’s soft-power diplomacy through peacebuilding initiatives, development support, and knowledge-transfer missions across Africa, the Caribbean, and other regions.
Projecting Nigeria’s Culture and Image Abroad: TAC volunteers have served as ambassadors of Nigerian culture, values, and professional excellence, contributing to improved national branding on the global stage.
Creating Jobs and Professional Pathways: TAC’s initiatives have provided employment opportunities and long-term career development for Nigerian youths through specialised placements and skills-enhancement programmes.
Deepening South–South Collaboration: The agency has strengthened Nigeria’s leadership in South–South cooperation by supporting capacity-development efforts in developing nations.
Strengthening Key Institutional Partnerships: TAC has expanded collaboration with universities, health institutions, teacher-training bodies, and development organisations, enabling cross-border technical support and knowledge exchange.
YYA Urges TAC to Sustain Excellence
Hon. Olarinde encouraged the TAC leadership to maintain its exemplary performance and continue advancing programmes that empower young Nigerians while promoting national interests globally.
He reaffirmed the Yoruba Youth Assembly’s commitment to supporting federal institutions that prioritise youth development, national cohesion, and international relevance.
