The West African Youth Council (WAYC) has honored Dr Yusuf Yakub, Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), for his contributions to human capital development, youth empowerment, and regional integration across Africa.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a three-member WAYC delegation led by the council’s Head of Operations, Amb. Olaleru Folorunsho, presented the Award of Excellence to Yakub during a courtesy visit to NTAC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
Other members of the delegation were Amb. Abass Abayomi and Amb. Hajara Abubakar.
Speaking during the presentation, the delegation commended Yakub’s leadership and commitment to advancing Nigeria’s Technical Aid Scheme through the deployment of skilled Nigerian professionals to beneficiary countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific.
According to the delegation, his efforts have contributed to strengthening diplomatic relations, promoting South-South cooperation and supporting sustainable development.
The delegation said the award was in recognition of Yakub’s service to humanity, commitment to youth development and support for initiatives aimed at advancing socio-economic growth in the West African sub-region.
It also praised reforms and strategic initiatives introduced under his leadership, which it said had enhanced the visibility and impact of NTAC at the national and international levels.
Responding, Yakub thanked the council for the recognition and dedicated the award to the management and staff of NTAC for their contributions to the agency’s achievements.
He reaffirmed NTAC’s commitment to international cooperation, capacity building, technical assistance and youth-focused programmes that promote sustainable development and regional integration.
Yakub described young people as critical stakeholders in nation-building and urged them to remain focused, disciplined, innovative and committed to contributing positively to their communities and countries.
The visit also featured discussions on areas of mutual interest, including youth empowerment, leadership development, entrepreneurship, education, skills acquisition and strategic partnerships.
Both parties expressed readiness to explore collaborative initiatives to expand opportunities for young people and strengthen regional cooperation.
NAN reports that the highlight of the visit was the presentation of the Award of Excellence to Yakub, underscoring growing recognition of NTAC’s role in advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives through technical cooperation, human capital development and international partnerships. (NAN)
