‎By Ibrahim Musa Mustapha

‎To me, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Mohammad Goni Alkali, is a clear example of how time ultimately vindicates competence and character. When he was first appointed as MD/CEO of the NEDC by late President Mohamadu Buhari, many people doubted his ability and capacity to deliver not because he was unqualified, but largely because he had been away from the North East for some time due to his nature of job.

‎However, once he assumed leadership, the narrative changed completely. He embarked on impactful initiatives focused on the resettlement and rehabilitation of the North East, with particular attention to my home state, Borno. Under his leadership, the Commission developed a comprehensive 25-years master plan, prioritized human capital development, expanded humanitarian interventions, and implemented other critical developmental programs.

‎These remarkable achievements are part of the reasons President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reappointed him, making him amongst the first appointees in his administration.

‎Today, even those who once doubted him now wish him success, while many openly call for him to take on greater leadership responsibilities, clear evidence that posterity has judged him favorably.