By Maureen Okon
The Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Dr Yusuf Yakub, has charged 21 Nigerian professionals deployed to Uganda to uphold Nigeria’s values of excellence, professionalism, discipline and patriotism.
Yakub gave the charge in Abuja during the briefing, orientation and send-off ceremony for the volunteers ahead of their two-year technical service in Uganda.
He told the volunteers that they were going out not merely as Nigerians, but as ambassadors of the country, noting that their conduct would shape global perception of Nigeria.
“You are going there to serve humanity, impact knowledge and provide services to our brothers and sisters.
“I, therefore, encourage you to carry the Nigerian flag proudly and conduct yourselves in a way that will make our country proud,” he said.
Yakub urged the volunteers to approach their assignments with humility, adaptability and a spirit of sacrifice, and to leave a lasting impact on their host institutions.
He said NTAC had deployed over 12,000 Nigerian experts to more than 40 countries across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific in the last 38 years.
Yakub described the programme as a practical demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to South-South Cooperation and to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
He said that Nigeria was not just a beneficiary of international aid but also a contributor to global development.
He also disclosed the Federal Government’s emerging initiative on dignified international deployment of skilled Nigerian workers under negotiated agreements that guaranteed remuneration, protection and dignity.
The NTAC boss said that Nigeria recently signed an agreement with Jamaica for the deployment of about 400 youths.
“While NTAC will provide salaries and allowances, the host country will provide accommodation, utilities and transportation to work,” he said.
Earlier, Assistant Director of Programmes, Mr Akin Falusi, described the volunteers as highly qualified professionals drawn from across the country.
The volunteers promised to raise Nigeria’s flag high by promoting the good image of the country in their host countries.
The Team Lead, Prof. Rilwanu Umar, thanked the agency for the opportunity and assured that the team was united to contribute to development in Uganda.(NAN)
Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman
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