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NECO Expands Social Responsibility Initiatives Across Niger Communities

by admin on | 2026-09-11 13:32:47

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NECO Expands Social Responsibility Initiatives Across Niger Communities

By Maryam Muhammad 

The National Examinations Council (NECO) says it will continue to expand its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives to improve the welfare of its host communities and contribute to the overall development of Niger State.

The Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO stated this in Minna while speaking at the commissioning of the newly constructed palace of the Mai Unguwan Gidan Mangoro, describing the project as a symbol of the strong partnership between the Council and its host community.

He said the commissioning was not merely an occasion to officially open a structure, but a celebration of the strong relationship between NECO and the people of Gidan Mangoro.

According to him, corporate responsibility must extend beyond the Council’s core mandate of examinations, certification and educational quality assurance, stressing that a strong education system can only thrive where communities are peaceful, stable and well coordinated.

The Registrar commended the people of Gidan Mangoro for their hospitality, understanding and peaceful disposition over the years, noting that the cordial relationship had enabled NECO to operate effectively and sustain its activities without unnecessary disruption.

He said the newly constructed palace represented unity, cultural heritage and the important role of traditional institutions in promoting peace, reconciliation and community development.

The Registrar explained that NECO’s support for the construction of the palace was based on its belief that development should respect and strengthen traditional institutions, which, he said, play a vital role in providing leadership, counsel and social cohesion.

He assured the host community and Niger State that NECO would continue to identify areas where it could make meaningful contributions to development through its CSR programmes.

He listed some of the Council’s interventions to include the provision of motorised boreholes in Gidan Mangoro and Gbaganako communities; provision of transformers to Wushishi and Gidan Mangoro; and the NECO-ITF Community Skills Development Programme for beneficiaries in Gidan Mangoro.

Other interventions, he said, included the sponsorship of a secondary school quiz competition in Niger State, facilitation of NECO examinations in schools within Gidan Mangoro, refurbishment of a patrol vehicle for the Minna Area Command of the Nigeria Police, and support for skills development equipment for the Laka Cultural Association in Minna.

The Council has also supported the Hajiya Rabi Sani Bello Skills Acquisition Centre in Kontagora, provided financial assistance to internally displaced persons in Kuta, Shiroro Local Government Area, sponsored an Under-15 football competition for youths across Niger State, and distributed learning materials to pupils in selected primary schools in Minna and Wushishi.

The Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Faruq Bahago, commended NECO for its sustained contribution to community development across the emirate.

The Emir, who was represented by the Sarkin Matasan Minna, Salihu Garba, said the people of Bosso and other communities within the emirate were benefiting from projects initiated by the Council.

He described the construction of the palace as a worthy intervention that would go a long way in promoting the social development of the community.

The Emir also praised NECO for supporting initiatives that directly affect the lives of people in its host communities.

He said such interventions demonstrated the importance of collaboration between government institutions, traditional authorities and local communities in promoting sustainable development.

Also speaking, the Mai Unguwan Gidan Mangoro, Malam Sani Zagi, expressed appreciation to the NECO Registrar and the Council for the gesture, describing the construction of the palace as a significant contribution to the development of the community.

Malam Sani Zagi said the people of Gidan Mangoro would continue to support NECO and maintain the peaceful coexistence that had existed between the Council and the host community.

He prayed for the continued success of NECO and urged members of the community to protect the facility and use it to promote unity, peace and development.

As part of the community’s appreciation for the Registrar’s contributions to the development of Gidan Mangoro, the traditional institution also turbaned him as the Maji Dadin Gidan Mangoro.

The traditional title, according to the community, was in recognition of his efforts and commitment to the welfare and development of the host community.

The commissioning ceremony brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, NECO officials and residents, highlighting the enduring partnership between the examination body and its host community.