2026 VON Forum: NTAC Links Democratic Stability To Skilled Workforce

The Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, has asserted that democratic stability within the ECOWAS sub-region is inextricably linked to the presence of an educated and skilled population.
​Speaking at the 2026 Voice of Nigeria (VON) Forum on Thursday, held at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, Yakub emphasized that true democracy extends beyond the ballot box and is rooted in robust institutions and human capital development. The forum was organized to commemorate the 51st anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
​Strategic Soft Power
​Delivering his goodwill message through his Media Assistant, Nkem Anyatta-Lafia, the Director-General noted that for nearly four decades, Nigeria has utilized “soft power” to foster regional growth. He highlighted that the theme of the forum, “51 Years of Nigeria’s Role in Deepening Democratic Stability in ECOWAS,” mirrors the core mandate of the NTAC.
​”For nearly 40 years, NTAC Volunteers—comprising doctors, engineers, teachers, and legal professionals—have advanced these ideals… strengthening the social and technical foundations of partner nations,” Yakub stated.
​Impact and Global Reach
​The Director-General revealed that since its inception, the Corps has deployed over 11,000 Nigerian professionals to more than 40 countries across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific (ACP). These deployments align with the Federal Government’s current 4-D Foreign Policy framework:
​Democracy
​Development
​Demography
​Diaspora
​Yakub argued that technical expertise is a direct antidote to political instability, noting that poverty and a lack of specialized skills often create the conditions for unrest. By providing technical interventions, NTAC helps build the resilience necessary for beneficiary countries to sustain democratic governance.
​Commendations and Attendance
​The DG lauded the vision of founding leaders like General Yakubu Gowon for establishing ECOWAS via the Lagos Accord and praised the Voice of Nigeria for maintaining the forum as a platform for critical policy dialogue.
​The high-profile event drew a significant gathering of Nigerian leadership, including:
​Senator Barau Jibrin, Deputy President of the Senate
​Mallam Mohammed Idris Malagi, Minister of Information and National Orientation
​Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs
​Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, Chairman of the EFCC
​HRH Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe
​The forum concluded with a call for continued collaboration among stakeholders to address emerging threats to democracy and regional progress.