The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps,NTAC, has deployed 35 medical professionals to Zanzibar, Tanzania, to support healthcare and education delivery.
At the flag-off ceremony in Abuja, NTAC Director General, Dr Yusuf Yakub said the deployment aligns with the agency’s mandate to provide professional support to African, Caribbean and Pacific, ACP, countries.
Dr Yakub described the move as a milestone for NTAC, highlighting its role in soft power diplomacy under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He stressed the importance of Nigeria’s contribution to Africa’s development, commending the president for supporting the four D-4 foreign policy initiative.
“Before NTAC was founded in 1987, Nigeria offered financial aid to sister nations. Today, we offer technical expertise to strengthen diplomatic ties,” he said. “We’ve deployed over 10,000 professionals across ACP countries and reached more than 40 countries globally.”
Recalling his recent visit to The Gambia, Yakub said President Adama Barrow praised Nigeria’s impact. He noted that both the first and second vice chancellors of the country’s only university were former TAC volunteers.
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Team lead Dr Paul Cornelius pledged to surpass the achievements of past volunteers, promising to represent Nigeria honorably in Zanzibar.
Pediatric nurse Mohammed Ibrahim expressed gratitude for being selected out of over 10,000 applicants, praying for success in his mission.
Registered nurse Mary-Jane Okieze also appreciated the opportunity, pledging to deliver quality care and promote Nigeria’s image.
NAN reports that the TAC professionals will serve as lecturers and fill professional gaps in health and education institutions across Zanzibar.
NAN
