By Jabiru Hassan, Kano
The Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, emphasized the value of establishing Multipurpose Cooperative Societies in government offices as a means to achieve the objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s incentives for Nigerian workers.
At a ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, Yakub inaugurated the newly elected members of the NTAC Multipurpose Cooperative Society. He noted that housing and loan schemes introduced by President Tinubu are crucial for enhancing civil servants’ performance and reducing corruption. Yakub stated that these initiatives would be more effective if Cooperative Societies were implemented nationwide.
Yakub promised support from NTAC management for the newly inaugurated leadership and highlighted that this is the first time the minimum wage has been increased to N70,000, with reviews every three years instead of five. He emphasized the need for housing and credit schemes to support workers in meeting their daily needs without relying solely on their salaries.
The NTAC DG also assured that the Cooperative Society’s new leaders would receive the necessary backing to ensure the welfare of the agency’s staff is well managed. He mentioned future plans to introduce a transport system to aid staff commutes and further integrate the Cooperative into the loan system.
Earlier, Amb. Yakubu Abdullahi Ahmed, the NTAC Director of Administration, praised Yakub for making what was previously considered impossible a reality. Following the inauguration, Yakub stressed the importance of workers’ welfare and effective communication. He encouraged the new leaders to engage with staff and address leadership challenges proactively.
Newly inaugurated Chairman Mr. Martin Ogbonna vowed to advance the Cooperative’s goals and expressed gratitude to the DG, NTAC management, and staff. He outlined his plans, including training programs, farming involvement, business opportunities, land acquisition, and providing transportation for members.
The event saw the swearing-in of the new executive team, including:
– Martin Ikechukwu Ogbonna (Chairman)
– Mercy Chama Anuhu (Vice Chairman)
– Faith Omotayo Jesufemi (Secretary)
– Uzoamaka Scholastica Ohaeri (Treasurer)
– Barnabas Yerima (Public Relations Officer)
Key attendees included Amb. Zakari Usman, NTAC Director of Programmes; Mr. Idris Saidu Yusuf, Assistant Director for Accounts; Mr. Lawandy Bala, Special Assistant to the DG on Protocol Matters; and Mr. Abdulkadir Iliyasu, Esq., Special Assistant to the DG on Legal Matters, who administered the oath of office.
The event concluded with the handover of the Cooperative Society’s registration documents from Mr. Samuel Etefia, the former chairman, to Mr. Martin Ogbonna. The new executive will serve for two years.
The press statement was issued by Nkem Anyata-Lafia, Special Assistant to the DG, NTAC on Media and Publicity.
