Nigerian Technical Aid Corps Deploys 35 Medical Professionals to Zanzibar, Tanzania
The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) is set to deploy a team of 35 medical professionals, including doctors and nurses, to Zanzibar, Tanzania. This initiative aims to address educational and professional deficiencies in the region and aligns with the agency’s mission to send skilled volunteers to countries within Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific (ACP) that are in need of expertise.
During the deployment ceremony held in Abuja on Tuesday, NTAC’s Director General, Dr. Yusuf Yakub, emphasized the significance of this mission, describing it as a historic moment for both the corps and the nation. “Today marks a pivotal day for the corps as we honor the directive of President Bola Tinubu, utilizing soft power diplomacy to dispatch 35 TAC volunteers to Zanzibar,” he stated.
Dr. Yakub, a former member of the House of Representatives, expressed gratitude towards the President for his continued support in advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy, particularly in countries requiring professional assistance.
In promoting Nigeria’s soft power diplomacy, Dr. Yakub highlighted the importance of the agency’s role in implementing the President’s four D-4 foreign policy initiatives. He noted that prior to NTAC’s establishment in 1987, Nigerian leaders primarily provided financial aid to fellow ACP nations. However, the shift to sending technical experts was made to foster diplomatic relations and cultural exchange.
Since its inception, NTAC has made significant strides, deploying more than 10,000 professionals across over 40,000 countries. “This is a remarkable accomplishment for Nigeria,” he remarked, recounting his recent visit to The Gambia for a convocation ceremony, where President Adama Barrow acknowledged the profound impact of Nigerian professionals in his nation. Notably, the Vice Chancellor of Gambia’s only university was a product of NTAC’s volunteer program in 1999.
Dr. Yakub underscored the necessity of South-South cooperation, urging underdeveloped nations to unite and utilize their expertise to support one another.
Team lead Dr. Paul Cornelius, representing the group of 35 volunteers, praised the Nigerian government’s commitment to narrowing the gaps in ACP countries. He expressed determination to not only meet but exceed the accomplishments of previous volunteers, thereby enhancing Nigeria’s reputation.
Expressing her gratitude, Mohammed Ibrahim, a pediatric nurse among the volunteers, thanked God for her selection from a pool of 10,000 applicants. She voiced a hopeful prayer for the group’s success and commitment to being exemplary representatives of Nigeria in Zanzibar.
Mary-Jane Okieze, a registered nurse on the team, viewed the deployment as a chance to showcase their skills and uplift Nigeria’s image in the host community. She commended NTAC for its impactful initiative and pledged diligence in her role, particularly in her responsibilities towards caring for sick patients in Zanzibar.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the TAC professionals’ primary assignments will involve lecturing and bridging professional gaps in their designated positions throughout Zanzibar.
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