By Maureen Okon
The Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) of Nigeria have commended President Bola Tinubu for strengthening the mandate of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) since assuming office.
Chief Dominic Ogakwu, President of the CSOs of Nigeria, gave the commendation on Wednesday in Abuja during the debriefing of 25 Technical Aid Corps (TAC) volunteers who returned from Sierra Leone and The Gambia after completing 24 months of service.
Ogakwu also urged the Federal Government to increase funding and advocacy for the Corps to enhance its operations, particularly the welfare and safety of volunteers.
He praised the Director-General of NTAC, Dr Yusuf Yakub, for repositioning the Corps and renewing its commitment to projecting Nigeria’s image through the deployment of volunteers to African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries.
According to him, the debriefing, the first of its kind for returning TAC volunteers, reflects the Corps’ growing impact and the need for greater investment.
“It goes to show that when you have a round peg in a round hole, this is what you get. The appointment of this Director-General is very special.
“He brings practical knowledge of the sector, having served in the National Assembly on international relations and as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
“One of his first actions was to indigenise the scheme, repositioning it as a wholly Nigerian project rather than a directory of appointments.
“You can see the difference in NTAC and in the experiences and testimonials of the volunteers,” he said.
Ogakwu cited the appointment of a Nigerian as the first female Vice-Chancellor of a university in The Gambia as evidence of the Corps’ growing impact.
“It shows she has the competence and credibility required for such a position. That is exceptional,” he said.
He also called on civil society to help improve Nigeria’s global image, saying the majority of Nigerians in the diaspora were hardworking, talented and respected.
According to him, the actions of a few individuals should not define the country’s reputation.
“Travel and see. Nigerians are well celebrated outside the country, and you cannot judge an entire nation by the actions of a few.
“From the testimonials we have received, a Nigerian was entrusted with the leadership of an entire university. Back home, we do not always accord our people such regard.
“We will partner with NTAC later this month on a programme aimed at improving Nigeria’s international image and promoting self-diplomacy through the Corps’ activities.
“We will also intensify advocacy to strengthen Nigeria’s standing in the comity of nations and encourage Nigerians to view the country more positively,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the volunteers were debriefed at the NTAC headquarters in Abuja after completing their foreign assignments.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)