In a bold move to eliminate communication barriers in order to enhance trades, development and other bilateral ties between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, the Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Rt.Hon.Yusuf Buba Yakub, has led a delegation of the Agency to meet with the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research,Eleonore Yayi Ladekan in Cotonou.
A statement by the Principal Information and Public Relations Officer,NTAC, Kauthar Hassan Ibrahim Gwarzo on Thursday said that during the meeting, the NTAC DG emphasized the crucial role of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps scheme in fostering South-South Co-operation by deploying skilled Nigerian professionals to assist in the developmental needs of partner countries.
He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to closer co-operation with its next-door neighbours,the Republic of Benin in the area of language learning and exchange between the two countries.
"Our aim is to as much as possible try to mitigate the barriers placed by language in the process of fostering deeper relationships among our people,which is the long-term ideal of every diplomatic effort.
"This will booster trades between our both countries and lead to better economic outcomes for everyone.We know that wherever language is a barrier, progress is limited.So,for NTAC to continue to champion these moves something tells you that we have seen the enormous gains in what we started for our both countries.
"From this collaboration,we intend to deploy a number of English teachers to your country so that we can facilitate an effective learning and acquisition of English Language.We will also learn French.As I said earlier, the goal is to bring down the linguistic divide that exists between our countries and by so doing enhance all other aspects of ourbilateral engagements, including trades, services and cultural exchange."
While welcoming the NTAC delegation, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Republic of Benin, Eleonore Yayi Ladekan expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s unwavering support and highlighted the positive impact of NTAC’s initiatives on capacity development in the country.
She specifically acknowledged the establishment of the Nigerian International School in Cotonou through which so much has been achieved in the country these past years and expressed the desire to work alongside the Corps to explore more of what NTAC has to offer.
Minister Ladekan also affirmed the Republic of Benin's commitment to sustaining and expanding co-operation with Nigeria for mutual benefits.She thanked the NTAC delegation for the visit and extended the country's gratitude to the Government of President Tinubu for its continuous dedication and commitment to the development and progress of sister African countries since he assumed the Nigerian Presidency.
The NTAC DG was accompanied on the visit by the Director of Programmes at NTAC,Amb.Zakari Usman, some officials of NTAC as well as those of the Nigerian Mission in Cotonou, including Messrs Mubarak Mohammed Mantu and Emmanuel Nwosa.
The Minister's team had Ahounouikpe F.Judith,Gbenou Victoria V. and Lalaye A.Philippe.Others were Youssa A.Juaka and Akpovi Salvadore.