“LEAVE YOUR WEAKNESSES BEHIND AND TAKE YOUR STRENGTHS WITH YOU” — Buba Charges Volunteers as 18 Depart for Liberia and Rwanda

The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) has deployed 18 volunteers—12 to Liberia and 6 to Rwanda—under the Technical Aid Corps Scheme, reinforcing Nigeria’s international cooperation and soft power diplomacy.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by Ojo Adetoun Olubunmi, anipr, Head of Information and Public Relations of the Corps, and made available to journalists in Abuja.

In his keynote address, the Director-General of NTAC, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Yusuf Buba Yakub, welcomed the volunteers and commended their readiness to serve. He noted that the deployment was made possible through the visionary 4D policy agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which has enhanced Nigeria’s global image. “The President’s passion and funding support have made Nigeria a pride to all nations of the world,” he said.

The DG described NTAC as an instrument of soft power diplomacy designed to extend Nigeria’s technical expertise to African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries. Since its establishment 38 years ago, he noted, the scheme has sent over 10,000 experts to more than 40 countries, fostering cultural exchange, friendship, and humanitarian service.

Charging the volunteers to uphold Nigeria’s dignity, Buba said: “Leave behind your weaknesses and go with your strengths. You are now technical diplomats carrying official passports. Conduct yourselves in a way that shows the world that Nigerians are good, well-trained people.” He urged them to embrace contentment, manage resources wisely, and return as more experienced and accomplished individuals.

He further reminded them of TAC success stories, including former volunteers who rose to become Vice-Chancellors of universities, while again appreciating President Tinubu for his unwavering funding and moral support that continue to showcase Nigeria globally.

Earlier, Amb. Zakari Usman, Director of Programmes at NTAC, applauded the DG’s leadership and praised the President’s vision. He congratulated the volunteers, urging them to remember that they embody the image of the entire nation. “You are a direct reflection of Nigeria; carry yourselves as such,” he stated.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, the Team Leader, Professor Solomon Ogbu, expressed gratitude for being chosen from among millions of Nigerians who applied. He pledged to make the DG and the country proud, while highlighting Rwanda as one of Africa’s cleanest and most hospitable nations, providing a conducive environment for success. “We go in good faith, and we will excel,” he affirmed.

The event concluded with group photographs, symbolizing another milestone for NTAC in advancing service, international cooperation, and Nigeria’s global representation.