Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps,Rt.Hon.Yusuf Buba Yakub has described Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs,Amb.Yusuf Maitama Tuggar,as one who has not only demonstrated capacity,energy and charisma in his service to the nation,but one who has mentored many who are opportune to work with him.
The NTAC DG,who noted the above in a birthday message he conveyed to the Honourable Minister in Abuja,Friday,also used the occasion to thank Amb.Tuggar for uniquely advancing the course of the nation’s foreign policy goals within the short period he has been Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The rest of the message titled: “A Million Hearty Cheers on the Celebration of a New Year” read:
“Your Excellency,Our Very Dear Own Ambassador-Minister and Leader,
“These past years,Your Excellency,you have come across as a Leader,a great source of inspiration and a Colossus of some sorts not only to me ,but for so many around you…
“You have through your many expressions, activities, selfless actions and above all uncanny brilliance demonstrated to all of us with whom our paths crossed what an ideal leader ought to be in all ramifications…
“You have demonstrated capacity, energy to drive dreams, discipline to push through the fog despite adversity, and the intelligence and charisma to stay focused on the goals. You have shown the world that “excellence” is not only in name but in deeds, and have by so doing carved a niche for yourself as a man of excellence,who has uniquely redefined our nation’s Foreign Policy Goals within the short period since you became Minister of Foreign Affairs….
“As a new year turns for you in the race of life,we, who you have in many ways inspired to aspire to be our best and to vigorously pursue whatever our hearts hold dear,have come to avail ourselves of this opportune moment to wish you well,to celebrate you and to pray that you realize all that your heart holds dear, knowing that you think nothing but the good of humanity.
“Thank you,Your Excellency, Ambassador for what you mean to all of us around you….
“For myself and my family, and on behalf of the Management and staff of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps,which by the kind benevolence of His Excellency our dear President and your very remarkable onerous support I currently head,I wish you a happy birthday and pray for more strength,greater health and wisdom to continue to serve our dear country and humanity in general.
“Congratulations,Sir,on attaining another new rung on the ladder of life.”
Amb.Tuggar,a former member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives and immediate past Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany,has, in a little over a year since becoming Minister of Foreign Affairs,initiated various laudable programmes that are geared towards repositioning the Ministry and the nation’s foreign service for greater productivity and global admiration.
He will be remembered for the above, including charting an intellectual course for the Ministry through many appreciable initiatives, including the development of the 4-D Foreign Policy Initiative of the Tinubu Administration,known in many quarters as “The Tinubu Doctrine.”
The Bauchi State-born Diplomat, technocrat and politician turned 58 on Wednesday earlier this week.
*Nkem Anyata-Lafia*
Special Assistant to the DG, NTAC(Media and Publicity)
*March 14,2025*