The Federal Government has advised the 11 Technical Aid Corps (TAC) volunteers to be deployed to The Gambia on Friday to be good ambassadors of Nigeria.
Dr Yusuf Yakub, the Director-General (D-G) of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) advised the volunteers at an event orgnised to officially deploy the 11 volunteers to that country.
Yakub said the TAC volunteers were called by that name for a purpose – to serve humanity in their host community and by so doing, to represent Nigeria.
“It is one of the very important instruments of diplomacy that Nigeria introduced in 1987; and as you know, in the world today, some countries use coercion to get support of other countries or take control of other countries.
“But our leaders in the past saw that soft power diplomacy is the best way to make friends and get partners all over the world, hence its introduction.
“This kind of diplomacy is being deployed in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP) countries, and you are going to The Gambia – a peaceful and beautiful country.
“They need you to fill the gaps that exist there. Last week I received the minister of Justice of the Gambia, who said they are really in need of a legal expert – and we are sending that you.
“Also, you have to know that you will fly our flag there and that is the reason you’re wearing the green blazer which is one of Nigeria’s colours,’’ he said.
He added that the students the volunteers would be lecturing see them as Nigerians not as an individuals, hence the need to act in line with promoting Nigeria’s image in the host community.
Speaking earlier, the Team Leda, Prof. Oyetunji Akinlabi, a professor of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, praised the Federal Government and NTAC for the sense of responsibility bestowed upon TAC volunteers.
According to him, it is with a sincere sense of responsibility that the volunteers acknowledge the important task ahead.
“This sense of responsibility is enforced by the provision of Section 24 (B) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999), which mandates citizens to enhance the power, prestige, and the good name of Nigeria, defend Nigeria and render such natural service as required.
“Having accepted to go to the Gambia to render the national service required of us, we draw ourselves of commitment of section 19 of the constitution which says;
“The foreign policy objectives shall be the promotion and protection of the national interest, promotion of African integration, and support for African Unity amongst others.
“We will discharge our duties honorably by the laws and where in doubts we will not hesitate to reach out for guidance and support,’’ he said.
He expressed appreciation to the director-general of the corps for the opportunity given to the TAC volunteers to serve humanity. (NAN)
