The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) has received 14 returning volunteers who completed a two-year humanitarian service program in Guinea Bissau and Sierra Leone, where they contributed to healthcare delivery and other community development initiatives.
The volunteers were welcomed during a debriefing and certificate of completion ceremony held on Monday, August 3, 2026, with officials of NTAC, dignitaries and stakeholders commending their dedication to representing Nigeria through humanitarian service.
The event featured the arrival of the returning volunteers, the arrival of the Director-General of NTAC, Dr Yusuf Buba Yakub, and the introduction of dignitaries present at the occasion.
Speaking on behalf of the returning volunteers, Dr Abdullahi Zubairu Isa one of the volunteers, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve humanity, highlighting the experiences and contributions of the team during their assignment in Guinea Bissau and Sierra Leone.
He explained that on 17th July 2026, 14 Nigerian volunteers were selected and deployed under the NTAC program to provide technical and humanitarian support in the two African countries. He added that the volunteers commenced their journey on July 30th 2026, with their assignments focused on improving healthcare services and supporting communities in their host nations.
Dr Abdullahi Zubairu Isa said the volunteers played key roles in healthcare delivery, particularly in child healthcare, maternal care, childbirth assistance, and periodic HIV treatment programs.
He noted that the volunteers received strong support and hospitality from the host communities, including proper accommodation, feeding arrangements and a conducive working environment throughout their service period.
He also highlighted the remarkable intervention of one of the volunteers, Mrs Nkiruka, who successfully assisted in the delivery of a baby girl in Guinea Bissau and helped save the lives of both the mother and child. He said the child was named after her in recognition of her humanitarian service.
Following the volunteers’ address, the Director-General of NTAC, Dr Yusuf Buba Yakub, presented certificates of completion to the 14 volunteers in recognition of their commitment and service.
Dr Yakub commended the volunteers for their dedication and described their contributions as a reflection of Nigeria’s commitment to humanitarian support and African cooperation.
He welcomed the returning volunteers from Guinea Bissau and Sierra Leone, while appreciating the Presidency for providing opportunities through NTAC for Nigerians to offer their skills and expertise in other countries.
The NTAC Director-General stated that the programme has existed for 38 years and has sponsored more than 10,000 Nigerian volunteers who have been deployed to different countries over the years.
He said the efforts of Nigerian volunteers abroad continue to strengthen the country’s international reputation and demonstrate Nigeria’s willingness to support development initiatives across Africa.
Dr Yakub further emphasised that programmes such as NTAC showcase Nigeria’s positive contributions globally and help challenge negative perceptions about the country.
The ceremony concluded with a photo session between the NTAC Director-General and the returning volunteers to mark the successful completion of their two-year humanitarian assignment.
In an interview during the event, the Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Society Group for Good Governance (CSGGG) Comrade Dominic Ogakwu, called on Nigerians and private sector organizations to support NTAC, noting that government alone cannot achieve the full objectives of the program.
Comrade Ogakwu urged greater collaboration between government, private institutions and individuals to strengthen the program and enable the deployment of more Nigerian volunteers to support humanitarian and development efforts.
He said increased support for NTAC would further promote Nigeria’s role in international volunteerism and deepen the country’s contribution to communities across Africa and beyond.
