NTAC explores stronger Nigeria-Sierra Leone cooperation

By Maureen Okon
The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) has embarked on a mission to Sierra Leone to explore opportunities for collaboration in critical sectors aimed at boosting national development.

A statement by Mr Ojo Olubunmi, Head of Information and Public Relations Unit of NTAC, said the Director-General of the corps, Dr Yusuf Yakub, led an NTAC delegation on the mission.

According to Olubunmi, the mission is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, deepen South-South cooperation, and advance Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

It said the visit aligned with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and underscored Nigeria’s commitment to regional integration, human capital development, and mutually beneficial partnerships across Africa.

Yakub, the statement said, also embarked on a courtesy visit to Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, where he was received by the Minister, Dr Haja Wurie, and the Permanent Secretary, Mr Mohamed Karbo.

The statement indicated that discussions at the ministry focused on strengthening educational cooperation through academic partnerships, capacity-building initiatives, technical support programmes, knowledge exchange, and human resource development.

According to the statement, Yakub reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting educational advancement across Africa through the deployment of qualified professionals under the NTAC scheme.

The statement quoted Yakub as describing education as a critical driver of sustainable development, economic growth, innovation and regional integration.

The statement mentioned that the delegation from Nigeria also visited Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health, where it was received by the Deputy Minister of Health, Prof. Charles Seusse, and the Permanent Secretary, Dr Phillip Karsho.

It said that discussions at the health ministry centred on expanding bilateral cooperation in healthcare through technical assistance, professional development, capacity building and the deployment of skilled Nigerian health professionals.

Yakub, the statement said, reiterated NTAC’s commitment to remaining a key instrument for advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives by promoting goodwill, strengthening African solidarity and facilitating knowledge transfer among developing nations.

A major highlight of the mission was the monitoring and evaluation of 24 Technical Aid Corps volunteers serving in educational and health institutions across Sierra Leone.

The exercise enabled the delegation to assess the volunteers’ performance, achievements, and challenges, as well as evaluate the overall impact of the scheme in the host country.

It said Yakub commended the volunteers for their professionalism, dedication and patriotism, describing them as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria.

It added that he said their services continued to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and Sierra Leone while contributing to the socio-economic development of the host country.

The delegation expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Sierra Leone for their hospitality and continued support for the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps Programme. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Emmanuel Yashim