The Registrar/Chief Executive of the National Examinations Council (NECO), Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, has been turbaned 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.
The ceremony attracted traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders, NECO stakeholders and other dignitaries, and featured cultural performances and presentation of awards.
Speaking at the event, Wushishi said the palace was constructed as part of NECO’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives aimed at strengthening its relationship with host communities and supporting grassroots development.
He said the project demonstrated that the Council’s responsibilities extended beyond its statutory mandate of conducting 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.”
Wushishi stressed that the stability and development of host communities were essential to the effective functioning of institutions, particularly organisations whose operations depend on a peaceful environment.
He said NECO’s CSR activities were designed to contribute to the welfare of host communities, support traditional leadership and values, and promote development that would benefit present and future generations.
The NECO boss commended the traditional institution and people of Gidan Mangoro for their cooperation and support, noting that the community had consistently demonstrated hospitality and understanding since the Council’s headquarters was established there.
He said the peaceful coexistence between NECO and the host community had enabled the Council to carry out its activities without unnecessary disruption.
Wushishi described the newly commissioned palace as a symbol of unity, cultural heritage and the continuing relevance of traditional institutions in promoting social cohesion.
According to him, the palace would serve as a centre for leadership, counsel, reconciliation and community organisation.
He added that NECO’s support for the project reaffirmed its belief that development must respect the cultural foundations of communities.
Wushishi disclosed that the palace was part of a broader CSR programme through which NECO had implemented several projects in its host communities and across Niger State.
Among the interventions, he listed the provision of motorised boreholes at Gidan Mangoro and Gbaganako communities; provision of two transformers each to Wushishi and Gidan Mangoro communities in 2023; and the NECO-ITF Community Skills Development Programme for 20 beneficiaries in Gidan Mangoro.
Other interventions included 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.
He also cited NECO’s redemption of a N2 million financial assistance pledge to the Hajiya Rabi Sani Bello Skills Acquisition Centre in Kontagora, intervention 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.
The NECO chief executive expressed hope that the new palace would continue to serve the traditional institution and people of Gidan Mangoro, while praying for sustained peace, harmony and unity between the community and the Council.
Representing the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Faruk Bahago, Sarki Samari, Salihu Garba, commended NECO for its contributions to the development of the host community.
He urged other establishments within the Minna Emirate to emulate the examination council by supporting projects that would improve the welfare and development of their host communities.
In his welcome address, the Mai-Anguwan Gidan Mangoro, Mallam Sani Zagi, expressed appreciation to the dignitaries and guests for attending the ceremony.
Zagi described the project as a significant achievement not only for Gidan Mangoro but also for the entire Bosso Local Government Area.
The commissioning of the palace and the turbaning of the NECO chief executive provided the major highlights of the ceremony, underscoring the growing partnership between the examination body and its host community.
