Ibrahim Wushishi, registrar of the National Examinations Council (NECO), 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 inauguration 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 from within and outside the state.
Wushishi said the palace was constructed as part of NECO’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives to strengthen its relationship with host communities and support 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’s corporate responsibility must extend beyond our primary mandate of examinations, certification and educational quality assurance,” he said.
Wushishi said 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,” he said.
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.”
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 said Gidan Mangoro, which hosts NECO’s headquarters, had consistently demonstrated hospitality, understanding and peace, enabling the council to conduct its activities without 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 registrar 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 centre for leadership, counsel, reconciliation, and community organisation,” he said.
“By supporting the construction of this palace, NECO affirms that tradition matters, and development must respect cultural foundations,” he added.
Wushishi said 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.
He listed the provision of motorised boreholes in Gidan Mangoro and Gbaganako communities, as well as two transformers each for Wushishi and Gidan Mangoro communities in 2023.
He also cited the NECO-ITF community skills development programme for 20 beneficiaries in Gidan Mangoro; sponsorship of a quiz competition among secondary schools in Niger state aired by Power FM Bida; and facilitation of NECO examinations in a secondary school in Gidan Mangoro.
Other interventions, he said, included the 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.
Wushishi further listed the redemption of a N2 million financial assistance pledge to Hajiya Rabi Sani Bello Skills Acquisition Centre in Kontagora, financial intervention for internally displaced persons in Kuta, Shiroro LGA, and sponsorship of an Under-15 football competition for youths across Niger State.
He said 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 hope that the new palace would remain useful to the traditional institution and people of Gidan Mangoro.
“We also pray that peace, harmony, and unity will continue between the host community and the National Examinations Council,” he said.
The Emir of Minna, Umar Faruk Bahago, represented by Sarki Samari, Salihu Garba, commended NECO’s contribution to the development of its host community.
He urged other establishments within the Minna emirate to emulate the council by supporting projects that improve the welfare and development of their host communities.
Sani Zagi, Mai-Anguwan Gidan Mangoro, thanked the dignitaries and guests for honouring the occasion.
Zagi described the project as an achievement not only for Gidan Mangoro but for the entire Bosso Local Government Area.
