A new group of volunteers from the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps has been dispatched to The Gambia, consisting of 11 professionals from diverse fields including law, engineering, and entrepreneurial studies. These volunteers have been encouraged to view their assignment as a humanitarian mission.
During the Pre-departure Orientation, the Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, congratulated the volunteers on being selected from over 10,000 applicants. He emphasized the importance of integrity and simplicity, urging the volunteers to positively represent Nigeria as Technical Diplomats.
“You are called Volunteers because you are going out there to serve humanity in The Gambia. Even if it is half a room that you are given to live in, please accept it and commit to what you have been sent to do there. Always bear in mind that you are there to represent Nigeria,” Buba stated. He also highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to soft diplomacy, in contrast to the coercive approaches of some other nations.
Buba noted the 37-year-old scheme’s role in fostering international relationships and emphasized the strategic importance of such partnerships. He also mentioned a recent visit by The Gambia’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Dawuda Jawara, who identified specific skills gaps in their country and requested TAC’s assistance.
Amb. Zakari Usman, Director of Programmes at TAC, urged the volunteers to uphold the highest standards of conduct and integrity, emphasizing the significance of their role in promoting Nigeria’s image abroad.
The team leader, Professor Oyetunji Akinlabi, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, pledging to promote Nigeria’s national interest and African unity. Other volunteers, including Dr. Hope Tebira and Barr. Joseph Okete, also committed to exceeding the expectations of their host country.
The volunteers will serve in The Gambia for 24 months under the terms of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps.
