The Registrar of the National Examinations Council, NECO, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, has been turbaned as Maji Dadin Gidan Mangoro in recognition of his contributions to the development of the community.
The traditional title was conferred on Wushishi on Thursday in Minna, Niger State, during the commissioning of the newly constructed palace of the Mai-Anguwan Gidan Mangoro.
Speaking at the event, Wushishi said the palace was constructed under NECO’s Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, initiatives aimed at strengthening the Council’s engagement with its host communities and supporting grassroots development.
He said the project demonstrated that NECO’s responsibilities extended beyond its statutory mandate of examinations, certification and educational quality assurance.
“This commissioning ceremony is not just an event to officially open a structure; it is a celebration of partnership. It reflects the conviction that corporate responsibility must extend beyond our primary mandate of examinations, certification, and educational quality assurance,” he said.
According to him, stable and developed host communities were essential to the effective functioning of institutions, particularly those whose operations depended on a peaceful environment.
“As a Council, we understand that strong education systems thrive where communities are stable, peaceful, and well coordinated.
Therefore, through our CSR activities, we contribute meaningfully to the welfare of our host communities, support traditional values and leadership, and encourage development that benefits present and future generations,” Wushishi said.
He commended the traditional institution and people of Gidan Mangoro for their cooperation and support, noting that the community, which hosts NECO’s headquarters, had maintained a peaceful relationship with the Council over the years.
Wushishi described the new palace as a symbol of unity and cultural heritage, as well as a reflection of the continuing role of traditional institutions in promoting social cohesion.
“The palace commissioned today symbolizes unity, cultural heritage, and the enduring role of traditional institutions in strengthening social cohesion. It serves as a center for leadership, counsel, reconciliation, and community organization.
“By supporting the construction of this palace, NECO affirms that tradition matters, and development must respect cultural foundations,” he said.
The NECO boss disclosed that the palace project formed part of a wider CSR programme through which the Council had implemented several interventions in its host communities and across Niger State.
These include the provision of motorised boreholes at Gidan Mangoro and Gbaganako; two transformers each for Wushishi and Gidan Mangoro communities in 2023; and the NECO-ITF Community Skills Development Programme for 20 beneficiaries in Gidan Mangoro.
Other initiatives include sponsorship of a quiz competition among secondary schools in Niger State; facilitation of NECO examinations in a secondary school in Gidan Mangoro; refurbishment of the patrol vehicle of the Minna Metropolis Police Area Command; and support for equipment for the Skills Development Programme of the Laka Cultural Association.
Wushishi also listed a N2 million financial assistance pledge redeemed in favour of the Hajiya Rabi Sani Bello Skills Acquisition Centre, Kontagora; support for internally displaced persons at Kuta in Shiroro Local Government Area; sponsorship of an Under-15 football competition for youths across Niger State; and distribution of learning materials to pupils of IBB Primary School, Minna, and Central Primary School, Wushishi, in collaboration with the BOS/BAT Movement in June 2024.
He expressed hope that the new palace would continue to serve the traditional institution and residents of Gidan Mangoro, while strengthening peace and harmony between the community and NECO.
The Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Faruk Bahago, represented by Sarki Samari, Salihu Garba, commended NECO for its contribution to the development of the host community.
He urged other establishments within the Minna Emirate to emulate the Council by supporting projects that improve the welfare and development of their host communities.
In his welcome address, the Mai-Anguwan Gidan Mangoro, Mallam Sani Zagi, thanked the dignitaries and guests for honouring the occasion, describing the project as a major achievement for Gidan Mangoro and the wider Bosso Local Government Area.
