Abuja: The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) has highlighted the potential of Nigeria’s youthful population and workforce as crucial assets for driving the global economy and spurring development initiatives. Dr. Yusuf Yakub, the Director-General of NTAC, emphasized these points during the 2025 edition of the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI) Fellowship Programme held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the fellowship program, aimed at enhancing the skills and expertise of young Nigerians, is set to be a residential program running from November 10th to November 29th. Addressing attendees, Dr. Yakub, represented by Mr. Nkem Anyata-Lafia, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, reaffirmed NTAC’s commitment to partnering with mentees to fully realize their potential.
Dr. Yakub underscored the significant contribution of Nigeria’s human capital strength to global development, particularly through the Technical Aid Corps (TAC) Scheme. This initiative serves as a tool for assistance, allowing Nigeria’s active and skilled youth to make impactful contributions worldwide. The Director-General noted that these efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance Nigeria’s soft power diplomacy.
Highlighting the importance of soft power, Dr. Yakub stated, “Across the world, the concept of soft power diplomacy is mainly exemplified in the quest by nations of the world to attract friendship and respect. The aim is to win influence by every means other than coercion, through sports, music, films, our clothing, and, indeed, by other diverse services.”
Dr. Dapo Oyewole, Senior Special Assistant to the President on International Cooperation and Secretary of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL), praised the ongoing partnership between NTAC and the LMI. He commended the NTAC Director-General for his dedication to promoting the agency’s activities for the benefit of Nigerians.
Additionally, Dr. Ochogwu Ochogwu, Director-General of the Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution, spoke about Nigeria’s longstanding peacekeeping and mediation efforts, recognizing both their benefits and financial implications. He lauded Nigeria’s commitment to global progress and the preservation of humanity.
Participants also expressed appreciation for Femi Gbajabiamila, the Founder and Initiator of LMI and Chief of Staff to the President, for his role in fostering this initiative.