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 by NECO Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, who described the project as part of the council’s corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Wushishi said the project was not merely a physical structure but a symbol of partnership, unity and respect for traditional institutions.

He noted that traditional institutions remained important pillars of leadership, reconciliation, community mobilisation and peaceful coexistence, adding that the stability and peaceful disposition of Gidan Mangoro had contributed significantly to the smooth operation of NECO’s headquarters located in the community.

According to him, the cordial relationship between NECO and the community had enabled the council to carry out its activities without disruptions.

“We understand that strong education systems thrive where communities are stable, peaceful and well coordinated,” he said.

The NECO boss assured host communities of the council’s continued support through corporate social responsibility initiatives, saying the organisation would continue to support traditional leadership and development efforts that would benefit present and future generations.

Representing the Emir of Minna, Alhaji (Dr) Umar Faruk Bahago, the Sarikin Samari, Salihu Garba, commended NECO for the initiative and urged other establishments operating within the emirate to emulate the council by contributing to the development of their host communities.

The Village Head of Gidan Mangoro, Mallam Sani Zagi, expressed appreciation to NECO and Wushishi for sustaining the cordial relationship between the council and the community.

Zagi recalled that NECO had previously executed development projects in the area, including the provision of motorised boreholes and an electricity transformer, which he said had improved the livelihoods of residents and neighbouring communities.

The ceremony also featured the symbolic turbaning of Prof. Wushishi with the traditional title of Maji Dadi Gidan Mangoro.