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  • IYD: Shun irregular migration, embrace skills for national growth, NTAC DG tells Nigerian youths

    IYD: Shun irregular migration, embrace skills for national growth, NTAC DG tells Nigerian youths

    The Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub has urged Nigerian youth to reject irregular migration and instead acquire sustainable, lifelong skills that will enable them to contribute meaningfully to national development.

    Delivering the keynote address at the 2025 Educational Summit to mark International Youth Day, held at the National Human Rights Commission, Yakub emphasised that education and innovation are the most effective tools for addressing the root causes of irregular migration.

    The summit, attended by representatives of the Minister of Youth Development, the Chief of the Air Staff, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, and other dignitaries, also featured papers from Dr. Umar Tanko Yakasai, DG of the Tinubu Support Group, and broadcaster-activist Dr. Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack.

    Citing data from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the NTAC DG, who was represented by his special assistant on media and publicity, Nkem Anyata-Lafia, highlighted the dangers of irregular migration, which include drowning, extortion, police brutality, forced prostitution, and arbitrary detention.

    “Since 2014, over 28,000 deaths have been recorded on the Mediterranean Sea, with some of the most tragic incidents occurring off the coasts of Libya, Greece, and Italy.

    “These grim statistics should be enough to dissuade anyone from attempting such dangerous journeys,” Buba warned, recalling specific tragedies such as the 2011 Libya shipwreck that killed 600 people and the 2013 Lampedusa disaster in which 359 lives were lost.

    According to him, factors driving irregular migration include misinformation, conflict, political instability, poverty, and climate change.

    Arguing that only by addressing these root causes through robust education and vocational training can Nigeria stem the tide, Yakub commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for providing platforms to support youth development, citing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund), National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), National Directorate of Employment (NDE), and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) as key agencies linking education with wealth creation.

    He explained that NELFund, for instance, was created to support access to higher education while promoting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), thereby equipping young Nigerians with employable skills.

    Read Also: As people defect in and out, Kwara PDP remains intact, strong

    Highlighting NTAC’s role, the DG said the Corps continues to provide opportunities for skilled Nigerians to work in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific under bilateral technical aid agreements, helping young professionals migrate with dignity and contribute to national development through skills export.

    The DG disclosed that discussions are underway with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other Ministries, and the National Assembly to transform parts of NTAC’s services into revenue-generating ventures, enabling the country to earn foreign exchange from its export of technical expertise.

    Yakub called on all stakeholders to invest in education, skills training, and innovation as strategic tools to curb irregular migration and empower Nigerian youth.

    “To banish ignorance, poverty, and hopelessness, we must light our path with education, creativity, productivity, and innovation,” he said.

  • NTAC deploys 22 fresh volunteers to Gambia

    NTAC deploys 22 fresh volunteers to Gambia

    The Nigeria Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) has announced the deployment of 22 volunteers to the Gambia.

    It also received the batch of 15 volunteers that just returned from the same country after two years of volunteering service.  

    This brings to 300 the number of volunteers that have been deployed to 11 countries in the last two years.

    No fewer than 10,000 volunteers have been deployed to 40 countries since the establishment of NTAC in the last 38 years. 

    Speaking at a short ceremony for the returning and departing volunteers, the Director General of NTAC, Yusuf Buba Yakub said the deployed  volunteers are mainly from the academia and different fields of learning. 

    He explained they are to be deployed to the Gambia University to replace the just returned volunteers. 

    According to him: “In the past two years we have achieved a lot. Since I resumed two years ago, like this year now we have over 300 volunteers that have gone out to about 11 countries of the world just between last year to this period. So and even yesterday we have deployed more to Grenada. 

    “They arrived yesterday and today we have received back 15 from Gambia and 21 are going back to Gambia, which we have just done the exercise this morning. So almost on a monthly basis we deploy volunteers to different parts of the world.” 

    Yakub explained that the scheme has become an instrument of soft power diplomacy for the country.

    He pointed out: “the Nigeria Technical Aid scheme which was established in 1987 as an instrument of soft power diplomacy to serve as a tool of sending out professionals or technical aid to Africa, Caribbean, and the Pacific countries has helped in projecting the image of the country abroad. 

    “And in the past two years we have been deploying volunteers almost every month to different countries. And my dream, as you asked, is to see NTAC serve as a tool for eradicating unemployment in Nigeria.”

    He added because of the good record, the good track record, the NTAC volunteers have left in the minds of the countries they have served, Nigeria has gained a lot of respect from these countries.

  • NTAC deploys 22 new volunteers to Gambia, reaffirms commitment to global service

    NTAC deploys 22 new volunteers to Gambia, reaffirms commitment to global service

    The Nigeria Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) has deployed 22 fresh volunteers to The Gambia, as 15 others returned to Nigeria after completing a two-year service in the West African nation.

    This latest deployment brings to 300 the total number of volunteers sent to 11 countries over the past two years. Since its inception 38 years ago, NTAC has deployed more than 10,000 professionals to 40 countries across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.

    Speaking at a send-off and reception ceremony in Abuja on Friday, NTAC Director General, Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, said the newly deployed volunteers, drawn largely from academia, will serve at the University of The Gambia, replacing those returning home.

    “In the last two years, we have deployed over 300 volunteers to 11 countries. Just yesterday, we deployed more to Grenada. Today, we received 15 from Gambia, and this morning, 22 are heading back there,” Yakub said.

    Read Also: NTAC DG applauds Tinubu’s strategic strengthening of Caribbean ties

    Highlighting the impact of the programme, he described NTAC as a key tool of Nigeria’s soft power diplomacy, noting that its work has helped enhance the country’s global image.

    “Since 1987, NTAC has served as a vehicle for sharing Nigeria’s professional expertise with other nations. It projects our values, strengthens international partnerships, and provides our youth with opportunities to serve and grow,” he explained.

    Yakub also expressed his vision for the Corps to contribute to reducing unemployment in Nigeria, adding that the positive legacy left by NTAC volunteers abroad continues to earn Nigeria respect and goodwill across participating countries.

  • Democracy Day: Umahi, NTAC boss hail Tinubu as champion of democratic renewal

    Democracy Day: Umahi, NTAC boss hail Tinubu as champion of democratic renewal

    The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has described President Bola Tinubu as a champion of democracy and a visionary leader committed to national transformation, as Nigeria marks Democracy Day day on Thursday.

    This is as the Director General (DG) of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Buba Yakub, commended Nigerians for their commitment to democracy while urging greater participation in the electoral process to protect the nation’s democratic progress.

    In his congratulatory message to the President on Wednesday, Umahi underscored President Tinubu’s role in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, noting that his decades-long struggle for democratic governance and emergence as the fifth democratically elected president of the Fourth Republic were testaments to his steadfast commitment to the ideals of freedom, equity, and justice.

    He said: “Your struggle for the redemocratization of Nigeria and your eventual emergence as President are clear indicators of divine unction upon your enduring vision.

    “History will be kind to you for setting high standards and taking bold decisions aimed at returning our country to the path of greatness in Africa.”

    Marking the 26th anniversary of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria, the Minister praised President Tinubu’s leadership under the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly highlighting progress in the works and infrastructure sector. 

    He noted that the administration’s efforts to expand the national road network through the Renewed Hope Legacy Projects are bridging economic corridors across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

    “In the works sector, you have fast-tracked democratic dividends through equitable, record-breaking accomplishments in road infrastructure.

    “Your commitment to enduring infrastructure is laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth and national unity.”

    The Minister also commended the synergy between the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government under President Tinubu’s leadership, noting that the administration has ushered in a new era of regenerative democracy where institutions work collaboratively to build a Nigeria of equal opportunity, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or social class.

    Similarly, the Director General (DG) of the Nigeria Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Buba Yakub, lauded Nigerians for their unwavering commitment to democratic governance, urging citizens to deepen their participation in the electoral process as a means of safeguarding the nation’s democratic gains.

    Speaking in Yola during the inauguration of the newly constructed Adamawa State APC Secretariat and the Democracy Day celebration, Yakub emphasized that participatory governance remains the best form of leadership globally. 

    According to him, no laws or punitive measures should be needed to compel Nigerians to engage meaningfully in democratic activities.

    In a statement on Thursday by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Nkem Anyata-Lafia, the NTAC boss commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his administration, and other leaders across the country for sustaining an unbroken 26-year democratic journey. 

    He hailed the contributions of ordinary Nigerians who, through their resilience and civic engagement, have continued to shape and uphold the nation’s democratic experience.

    “We have every reason to celebrate this long era of freedom from interference in the democratic order,” Buba said, expressing optimism that democracy has taken firm root in Nigeria. 

    He encouraged all citizens, civil society groups, religious institutions, and government agencies to use their platforms to promote democratic values and encourage active participation, describing it as a duty owed to the memories of those who fought and in some cases died for the nation’s democratic freedom.

    Highlighting the global consensus against military rule, Buba said, “Military incursions into national leadership have long been deemed an aberration. 

    “Such unfashionable transitions of power, which bypass the consent of the majority, only hinder the development and liberties that democracy guarantees.”

    He praised President Tinubu’s 4-D Foreign Policy Initiative, which prioritizes Democracy as one of its cardinal pillars, noting that it reflects the President’s deep-rooted commitment to civil governance and political freedom.

    Read Also: Ogoni disagrees with Umahi on East-West Road completion 

    “For Nigeria to continue enjoying the level of development and positive leadership currently witnessed across the country, both leaders and followers must recommit to the democratic process.

    “This includes active participation in periodic elections, support for an independent judiciary, strengthening of legislative functions, adherence to the rule of law, and the promotion of a free press as a societal watchdog,” the DG added.

    The former Federal lawmaker also commended President Tinubu’s long-standing role as a democratic activist during the military era, describing him as a leader who fully understands the importance of free speech, civil liberties, and constitutional governance.

    Yakub called on Nigerians to support the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and rally behind elected representatives at all levels to ensure the effective delivery of the administration’s development vision.