The Voice of Nigeria (VON) has offered the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) its platform to promote positive narratives and enhance the image of Nigeria, Nigerians, Africa, and Africans on a global scale.
This offer was made by the Director-General of VON, Malam Jibrin Ndace, during a courtesy visit to his NTAC counterpart on Wednesday in Abuja.
Ndace emphasised that both VON and NTAC served as instruments of soft diplomacy, capable of projecting the image of Nigeria and Africa to the world.
He reiterated VON’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s image on the global stage and promoting the activities of NTAC.
“No matter what you do in the 21st century, you cannot grope in the dark.
“You are not just sending Nigerians to the Caribbean, Pacific, and African countries as volunteers in various fields; you are also showing the world that Nigeria has what it takes to make the world a better place.
“We are here because we have a lot in common. We both share the mission to reposition Nigeria and create a positive perception of our country.
“We are offering VON’s platform as an enabler. Our mandate is to be at the forefront of creating positive narratives about Nigeria and Africa,” Ndace said.
Ndace further explained that VON’s role was not just to promote government policies and programmes, but also to highlight the good about Nigeria.
“In whatever we do, as Nigerians and Africans, if we are not assertive in telling our story, no one else will.
“At VON, we are intentional, deliberate, and unapologetic about shaping positive narratives about Nigeria and Africa.
“With the support of President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, we are determined to change the wrong narratives about us,” he said.
In response, the Director-General of NTAC, Mr Yusuf Yakub, said that since its establishment in 1987, NTAC had deployed more than 40,000 Nigerian professionals to various countries.
He lauded President Tinubu for his efforts in repositioning NTAC and improving its operations.
“Since inception, we have deployed more than 40,000 Nigerians to more than 40 countries worldwide, including the Pacific, Caribbean, and other African nations.
“This is a significant achievement, but unfortunately, we have not been blowing our own trumpet,” Yakub stated.
He further highlighted that recently, the Minister for Higher Education from the Republic of Gambia visited Nigeria to express gratitude for NTAC’s contributions to the educational sector in Gambia.
“In Gambia, some of our volunteers have been appointed as Vice-Chancellors, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, and Directors at various universities,” Yakub added.
Yakub also said that NTAC volunteers, including teachers, doctors, nurses, and professors, were making significant contributions in various fields, including the judiciary in some African countries.
“We also have legislative draftsmen in some African countries helping to develop democracy there,” he added. (NAN)