By Felix Khanoba
The Registrar/Chief Executive of the National Examinations Council (NECO), Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, has been honoured with the traditional title of Maji Dadin Gidan Mangoro in recognition of his contributions to the development of the community.
Wushishi was turbaned with the title on Thursday in Minna, Niger State, during the commissioning of a newly constructed palace for the Mai-Anguwan Gidan Mangoro.
The ceremony, which attracted traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders, NECO stakeholders and other dignitaries, also featured cultural displays and the presentation of awards to distinguished guests.
Speaking at the event, Wushishi said the palace was constructed as part of NECO’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme aimed at strengthening the Council’s relationship with communities hosting its operations.
“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.
The NECO chief executive noted that the wellbeing and stability of host communities were critical to the effective functioning of institutions, particularly organisations that depend on peaceful and supportive communities to carry out their mandates.
“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 expressed appreciation to the Mai-Anguwan Gidan Mangoro traditional institution, residents and other stakeholders for sustaining a cordial relationship with NECO over the years.
Wushishi said the relationship had provided the peaceful atmosphere necessary for NECO to operate its headquarters in Gidan Mangoro.
“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.
According to him, the newly commissioned palace goes beyond its physical structure, as it reflects the importance of traditional institutions in preserving cultural identity and promoting unity within communities.
“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 was among several interventions implemented by NECO under its CSR programme in Gidan Mangoro and other communities across Niger State.
He cited the installation of motorised boreholes in Gidan Mangoro and Gbaganako communities, as well as the provision of two transformers each for Wushishi and Gidan Mangoro communities in 2023.
Other initiatives, he said, included the NECO-ITF Community Skills Development Programme, which benefited 20 residents of Gidan Mangoro, and sponsorship of a quiz competition for secondary school students across Niger State that was broadcast by Power FM Bida.
The Council also facilitated NECO examinations at a secondary school in Gidan Mangoro, refurbished the patrol vehicle of the Minna Metropolis Police Area Command and supplied equipment for the Skills Development Programme of the Laka Cultural Association.
Wushishi further listed NECO’s N2 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, and sponsorship of an Under-15 football competition for youths across the state among its community-oriented initiatives.
He added that NECO, in partnership with the BOS/BAT Movement, distributed learning materials to pupils of IBB Primary School, Minna, and Central Primary School, Wushishi, in June 2024.
The NECO boss expressed confidence that the new palace would continue to serve the traditional institution and residents 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, also commended NECO for its interventions in the host community.
He urged other establishments operating within the Minna Emirate to emulate NECO by investing in initiatives capable of improving the welfare and development of their host communities.
In his welcome address, the Mai-Anguwan Gidan Mangoro, Mallam Sani Zagi, thanked dignitaries and other guests for honouring the occasion with their presence.
Zagi described the project as a significant milestone for Gidan Mangoro and the wider Bosso Local Government Area.
The event ended with cultural performances, presentation of awards and the traditional turbaning of Wushishi as Maji Dadin Gidan Mangoro, further underscoring the growing partnership between NECO and its host community.
