By Ngozi Nwankwo
Registrar/Chief Executive of the National Examinations Council,NECO, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, has been turbaned as the Maji Dadin Gidan Mangoro in recognition of his contributions to the development of the community.
The traditional honour 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 as part of NECO’s Corporate Social Responsibility,CSR, initiatives designed to strengthen its relationship with host communities and contribute to grassroots development.
He said the project demonstrated that the Council’s responsibility 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 NECO that corporate responsibility must extend beyond our primary mandate of examinations, certification, and educational quality assurance,” he said.
According to him, the stability and development of host communities remained important to the effective functioning of institutions, particularly those whose operations depend 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 of Mai-Anguwan Gidan Mangoro, the host community and other stakeholders for their cooperation and support over the years.
Wushishi noted that Gidan Mangoro, which hosts the headquarters of NECO, had consistently demonstrated hospitality, understanding and peace, enabling the Council to conduct its activities without unnecessary disruption.
“Indeed, the peaceful coexistence enjoyed by NECO and the host communities throughout the years is a testament to the goodwill that exists between the Council and the people. We do not take this for granted,” he said.
The NECO boss described the newly commissioned palace as a symbol of unity, cultural heritage and the enduring relevance 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,” he said.
He added: “By supporting the construction of this palace, NECO affirms that tradition matters, and development must respect cultural foundations.”
Wushishi disclosed that the palace project formed part of a broader CSR programme through which NECO had undertaken several interventions in its host communities and across Niger State.
Among the initiatives, 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.
Others included sponsorship of a quiz competition among secondary schools in Niger State aired by Power FM Bida; 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 the redemption of a N2 million financial assistance pledge to Hajiya Rabi Sani Bello Skills Acquisition Centre, Kontagora; financial 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.
Wushishi expressed the hope that the new palace would remain useful to the traditional institution and the people of Gidan Mangoro.
“We also pray that peace, harmony, and unity will continue host community and the National Examinations Council,” he said.
The Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Faruk Bahago, represented by Sarki Samari, Salihu Garba, expressed delight over NECO’s contribution to the development of its host community.
He urged other establishments within the Minna Emirate to emulate NECO’s gesture by supporting projects capable of improving the welfare and development of their host communities.
In his welcome address, the Mai-Anguwan Gidan Mangoro, Mallam Sani Zagi, expressed appreciation for the turnout of dignitaries and thanked guests for honouring the occasion.
Zagi said he was overwhelmed by the significance of the project, describing it as an achievement not only for Gidan Mangoro but for the entire Bosso Local Government Area.
The ceremony also featured cultural performances and the presentation of awards to some dignitaries, while the turbaning of the NECO chief executive as Maji Dadin Gidan Mangoro served as the high point of the event.
The twin ceremonies, which brought together traditional leadership, government representatives, NECO officials and members of the community, underscored the growing relationship between the examination body and its host community.
