The National Examinations Council (NECO) has constructed and commissioned a new palace for the Village Head of Gidan Mangoro in Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State as part of efforts to strengthen its relationship with its host community.
The palace was inaugurated on Thursday, September 10, 2026, by the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of NECO, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, who described the project as a demonstration of the council’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and community development.
Wushishi said the commissioning was not merely an occasion to formally open a new structure but a celebration of the enduring partnership between NECO and the Gidan Mangoro community.
According to him, the project reflects NECO’s belief that its corporate responsibility extends beyond its primary mandate of conducting examinations, certification and educational quality assurance.
He explained that the new palace symbolises unity, cultural heritage and the enduring role of traditional institutions in promoting social cohesion, noting that it would serve as a centre for leadership, counsel, reconciliation and community organisation.
The NECO boss said Gidan Mangoro, which hosts the headquarters of the council, had consistently demonstrated hospitality, understanding and peaceful coexistence.
He noted that the community’s disposition had fostered a productive and cordial relationship that had enabled NECO to operate effectively, attract staff and visitors, and sustain its activities without unnecessary disruptions.
“We understand that strong education systems thrive where communities are stable, peaceful and well coordinated. Through our corporate social responsibility 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.
Also speaking, the Emir of Minna, Alhaji (Dr) Umar Faruk Bahago, represented by Sarikin Samari, Salihu Garba, commended the NECO management for the initiative and urged other establishments within the emirate to emulate the council by contributing to the growth and development of their host communities.
The monarch expressed delight at the foresight of the NECO management and its leadership in sustaining a mutually beneficial relationship with the people of Gidan Mangoro.
In his remarks, the Village Head of Gidan Mangoro, Mallam Sani Zagi, appreciated NECO management and commended Professor Wushishi for maintaining the longstanding synergy between the council and the host community.
Zagi said NECO had, over the years, executed several meaningful projects in the community, including the provision of motorised boreholes and an electricity transformer, which he said had benefited residents as well as neighbouring villages.
He noted that the projects had made significant contributions to improving the livelihoods of people in the area.
A major highlight of the commissioning ceremony was the symbolic turbaning of Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi with the traditional title of Maji Dadi Gidan Mangoro, in recognition of his contributions to the community and the cordial relationship between NECO and its host community.
