The enduring partnership between the National Examinations Council (NECO) and its host community, Gidan Mangoro, received a major boost on Thursday as the Council’s Registrar/Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, was honoured with the traditional title of Maji Dadin Gidan Mangoro.

The title was conferred on Wushishi during the commissioning of the newly constructed palace of the Mai-Anguwan Gidan Mangoro in Minna, Niger State.

The ceremony brought together traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders, NECO stakeholders and other dignitaries, with cultural performances and awards also forming part of the event.

Speaking at the occasion, Wushishi said the construction of the palace was undertaken as part of NECO’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme aimed at strengthening relations with its host communities and contributing to grassroots development.

He said the initiative reflected NECO’s understanding that its responsibility goes beyond its statutory functions of examinations, certification and educational quality assurance.

According to him, institutions can only operate effectively where there is peace, stability and cooperation within their host communities.

«“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 described Gidan Mangoro as a community that had consistently demonstrated hospitality, understanding and peaceful coexistence with NECO since the Council established its headquarters in the area.

He said the relationship had enabled the Council to carry out its mandate without unnecessary disruptions, stressing that NECO appreciated the goodwill and cooperation of the host community.

The NECO boss described the new palace as more than a physical structure, saying it represented unity, cultural heritage and the continuing importance of traditional institutions in promoting peace, reconciliation and community development.

“By supporting the construction of this palace, NECO affirms that tradition matters, and development must respect cultural foundations,” he said.

Wushishi further disclosed that the palace project was part of a wider CSR intervention by NECO in Gidan Mangoro and other communities across Niger State.

He listed the provision of motorised boreholes in Gidan Mangoro and Gbaganako; provision of two transformers each to Wushishi and Gidan Mangoro communities in 2023; and the NECO-ITF Community Skills Development Programme, which benefited 20 people in Gidan Mangoro.

Other interventions, he said, included sponsorship of a secondary school quiz competition aired by Power FM Bida; facilitation of NECO examinations in a secondary school in Gidan Mangoro; refurbishment of a patrol vehicle belonging to the Minna Metropolis Police Area Command; and support for equipment for the Skills Development Programme of the Laka Cultural Association.

He also mentioned NECO’s ₦2 million financial assistance to the Hajiya Rabi Sani Bello Skills Acquisition Centre in Kontagora, intervention for internally displaced persons in Kuta, Shiroro Local Government Area, sponsorship of an Under-15 football competition 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 optimism that the new palace would continue to serve as a centre for leadership, dialogue, reconciliation and community organisation.

He also prayed for the continued peace and harmonious relationship between Gidan Mangoro and the Council.

The Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Faruk Bahago, represented by Sarki Samari, Salihu Garba, commended NECO for its contributions to the development of its host community.

He urged other establishments operating within the Minna Emirate to emulate the Council by supporting projects that directly improve the welfare and development of their host communities.

Earlier, the Mai-Anguwan Gidan Mangoro, Mallam Sani Zagi, expressed appreciation to the dignitaries and guests who attended the ceremony, describing the completion of the palace as a landmark achievement for Gidan Mangoro and the wider Bosso Local Government Area.

The turbaning of Wushishi as Maji Dadin Gidan Mangoro provided the defining moment of the ceremony and was widely seen as a recognition of the relationship between NECO and the community.

The event ultimately highlighted how corporate social responsibility, traditional leadership and community partnership can combine to promote peaceful coexistence and sustainable grassroots development.