From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Federal Government, yesterday, received 23 volunteers who participated in the Technical Aid Corps programme in Uganda.
Speaking during the reception and presentation of certificates to the returnees, the Director-General of the Directorate of Technical Aid Corps (DTAC), Hon Yusuf Buba Yakub, said the volunteers who served the country for two years in various capacities, were professors and doctors in different areas of specialization who participated in the scheme in Uganda.
Buba extolled the performance of the 23 volunteers, saying that they have been very good ambassadors of Nigeria.
“When I visited them in Uganda, there were great testimonies because the people of Uganda were seeing Nigeria through them and I thank God they have exhibited the highest standard of performance in their areas of duty, and also in their day-to-day interaction with the people of Uganda,” Buba said.
Asked about the challenges faced by the Directorate of Technical Aid Corps, Buba explained that no amount of challenge can deter DTAC from achieving its objectives.
“If you talk of resources, we can do with whatever resources that is available to us. We will think out of the box to see that we meet our target with whatever that the nation is able to provide to achieve this very, very important part of our foreign policy,” Buba added.
Speaking further, Buba stated that the Federal Government, having embarked on the scheme for a long time, is considering ways of perfecting it for optimal performance.
“When you give birth to a child for 35 years, you expect that it is now an adult. So, we expect that DTAC will do better, going forward, than what it has been doing in the past,” Buba assured.
Buba also said as a result of the performance of the volunteers, countries where they participated in the scheme have made requests to have them return to continue their services.
Buba however said since it was against the policy of DTAC to renew their stay as volunteers, the counties were free to go into contract with them and engage them.
“And we as DTAC will make sure we support these volunteers who have gotten offers to serve the country we have sent them to serve,” Buba further said.