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.
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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.
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.
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 Emire also praised NECO for supporting initiatives that directly affect the lives of people in its host communities.
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.
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 commissioning ceremony brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, NECO officials and residents, highlighting the enduring partnership between the examination body and its host community.
