NECO Registrar Wushishi Turbaned Maji Dadin Gidan Mangoro

The Registrar and 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 received the title on Thursday in Minna, Niger State, during the commissioning of a newly constructed palace for the Mai-Anguwan Gidan Mangoro.

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

Speaking at the occasion, Wushishi said the palace was constructed under NECO’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme to strengthen its relationship with host communities and support grassroots development.

He explained that the Council’s responsibility went beyond conducting examinations and issuing certificates, noting that its presence in communities also created an obligation to contribute to their wellbeing.

“This commissioning ceremony is not just an event to officially open a structure; it is a celebration of partnership,” Wushishi said.

He stressed that peaceful and stable host communities were essential to the effective operation of institutions, particularly those whose activities depended on a conducive environment.

According to him, NECO’s CSR interventions were intended to support traditional leadership, promote community welfare and encourage development that would benefit both present and future generations.

Wushishi commended the Mai-Anguwan Gidan Mangoro, residents and other stakeholders for the cooperation extended to NECO over the years, saying the community’s peaceful disposition had helped the Council operate 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 chief executive described the new palace as a symbol of unity and cultural heritage, as well as a reminder of the role traditional institutions continue to play in leadership, reconciliation and community organisation.

He said the project affirmed the Council’s belief that development should take account of local culture and traditional institutions.

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

The Registrar listed several other CSR interventions undertaken by NECO in Gidan Mangoro, Niger State and surrounding communities.

They included the provision of motorised boreholes in 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.

He also mentioned sponsorship of a secondary school quiz competition 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.

Other interventions, according to him, included the redemption of a N2 million financial assistance pledge to the Hajiya Rabi Sani Bello Skills Acquisition Centre in Kontagora, support for internally displaced persons in Kuta, Shiroro Local Government Area, and sponsorship of an Under-15 football competition for youths across Niger State.

NECO also distributed 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 confidence that the new palace would continue to serve the traditional institution and residents of Gidan Mangoro, while calling for sustained peace between the community and NECO.

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

In his welcome address, the Mai-Anguwan Gidan Mangoro, Mallam Sani Zagi, thanked the dignitaries and residents for attending the ceremony, describing the palace as a significant achievement for Gidan Mangoro and the wider Bosso Local Government Area.

The turbaning of Wushishi as Maji Dadin Gidan Mangoro provided the major highlight of the ceremony, which also featured cultural displays and presentations of awards to selected dignitaries.

The event ultimately reflected the growing partnership between NECO and Gidan Mangoro, where the Council’s headquarters is located, with both sides reaffirming the importance of cooperation, peaceful coexistence and community development.