Wushishi turbaned Maji Dadin Gidan Mangoro as NECO commissions palace
By Uji A Iliyasu, Abuja
The 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.
Wushishi received the traditional title on Thursday in Minna, Niger State, during the commissioning 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, with cultural performances and the presentation of awards also featuring on the programme.
Speaking at the event, Wushishi said the palace was constructed under NECO’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme to strengthen its relationship with host communities and contribute to grassroots development.
He said the initiative reflected the Council’s commitment to supporting communities beyond its statutory responsibilities of conducting examinations, awarding certificates and contributing to 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 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 were critical to the effective functioning of institutions, particularly those whose operations depended 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,” he 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 said Gidan Mangoro, which hosts NECO’s headquarters, had consistently demonstrated hospitality, understanding and peaceful coexistence, enabling the Council to carry out 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 boss described the new palace as a symbol of unity, cultural heritage and the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in promoting social cohesion.
“The palace commissioned today symbolises 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.
He added that by supporting the construction of the palace, NECO was affirming the importance of tradition in community development.
“By supporting the construction of this palace, NECO affirms that tradition matters, and development must respect cultural foundations,” Wushishi said.
He disclosed that the palace project was part of a broader CSR programme through which the Council had undertaken several interventions in its host communities and across Niger State.
The interventions, he said, included the provision of motorised boreholes at Gidan Mangoro and Gbaganako communities, as well as two transformers each for Wushishi and Gidan Mangoro communities in 2023.
Others were 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.
The Council also refurbished the patrol vehicle of the Minna Metropolis Police Area Command and supported the Skills Development Programme of the Laka Cultural Association with equipment.
Wushishi further listed the redemption of a N2 million financial assistance pledge to the Hajiya Rabi Sani Bello Skills Acquisition Centre, Kontagora; financial intervention for internally displaced persons at Kuta in Shiroro Local Government Area; and sponsorship of an Under-15 football competition for youths across Niger State.
He said NECO, in collaboration with the BOS/BAT Movement, also distributed learning materials to pupils of IBB Primary School, Minna, and Central Primary School, Wushishi, in June 2024.
Wushishi expressed the hope that the new palace would continue to serve 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, 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 within the Minna Emirate to emulate the Council by supporting projects that would improve the welfare and development of their host communities.
In his welcome address, the Mai-Anguwan Gidan Mangoro, Mallam Sani Zagi, expressed appreciation to the dignitaries and guests for honouring the occasion.
Zagi described the palace as a significant achievement for Gidan Mangoro and the entire Bosso Local Government Area.
The turbaning of Wushishi as Maji Dadin Gidan Mangoro was the high point of the ceremony, which underscored the growing partnership between NECO and its host community.