Yakub Emphasises Discipline, Patriotism As TAC Deploys Volunteers To Sierra Leone

Rt.Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, has urged Corps Volunteers to always follow the laws of the countries where they have been deployed to serve.

He stated that by doing so, Nigeria, as a big brother country, will continue to earn the respect and admiration of the host countries where the Volunteers have been deployed.

The TAC DG, who made the call on Saturday in Abuja during a ceremony to deploy 18 Volunteers to Sierra Leone, thanked President Tinubu for his continued support for the 37-year-old programme since taking office in 2023.

Buba went on to say that the Volunteers were ambassadors for the Nigerian nation and were therefore expected to maintain the highest levels of discipline, decorum, and obedience to constituted authorities.

He stated, “As you are aware, the Technical Aid Corps was founded 37 years ago as a flagship programme to advance our country’s foreign policy objectives by providing technical assistance to our brothers and sisters in African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries. Over the last 37 years, the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps has sent more than 35,000 professionals and experts in various fields of study to these countries.

“The Nigerian government is very interested in and values this foreign policy tool. This is why you travel with our official passports. And, like our Ambassadors, you are expected to never violate the laws of the country in which you will be serving. You must keep in mind that you are performing volunteer service. So, no matter how opulent your home is, if you are living in a one-room flat, remember why you are there.

“Over the last 37 years, everyone who has served anywhere in this Scheme has done so with dignity and honour, and nothing less is expected of you. I congratulate you on your success among the thousands of applicants for this opportunity, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

“I would also like to point out that, while you are in Sierra Leone, the High Commission of Nigeria serves as your guardian, while we are your parents. Whatever you do, please remember to follow the rules outlined in the Country Agreement as well as the tripartite agreement signed by the Federal Government through TAC with you and the Sierra Leone government. Make an effort to learn about these rules and regulations so that you do not violate any of them. For us, as an agency, we will ensure that all responsibilities to you are followed to the letter.”

Earlier, while presenting the Volunteers to the DG, Amb. Zakari Usman, Director of Programmes in the Agency, explained that the new Volunteers had arrived from all over the country and had since gone through various processes in order to prepare for deployment. He thanked the DG for his assistance in ensuring that the procedures were simple and seamless.

The first batch of Volunteers scheduled for Sierra Leone includes 18 highly experienced nurses and medical doctors who have previously served in Nigeria’s communities and public institutions.

Volunteers who spoke with journalists during the exercise expressed their willingness to commit to the ideals of the TAC mandate and make Nigeria proud through hard work and obedience to the host country’s authorities.

It should be noted that the Agency began deploying Volunteers to The Gambia, Uganda, and, most recently, Sierra Leone last month. It is expected to carry out additional deployments to various ACP countries in the coming weeks.