I Criticised Him, Moved On, Then a Beneficiary Reminded Me: Why I Commend Mohammed Goje
Potiskum LGA Eyes@muhammadnuraibrahim848393
13 days ago
In journalism, we often move from one issue to another, especially after raising concerns and seeking answers. But sometimes, impact finds a way of bringing us back to reflect and to speak again, this time with fairness and appreciation.
Some years ago, I publicly criticised the distribution of support from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, particularly because communities in Yobe South, including mine, were not captured among the beneficiaries, despite the hardship caused by insurgency. As someone from a rural background, I felt it was necessary to speak up.
Following that, the executive secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mohammed Goje, personally reached out to me. After some initial hesitation, I engaged with him, and he explained in detail how their interventions were structured and why priority was given to the most affected areas.
He later asked me to bring names of vulnerable individuals from my community. I did, and support was extended. Some beneficiaries received grinding machines to support their livelihoods.
After that engagement, I moved on. I did not return to him again, partly out of respect for boundaries when dealing with public officeholders, and also because, as journalists, we often allow issues to rest once we have engaged and understood.
To be honest, I had almost forgotten about the entire episode.
But yesterday changed that.
After Maghrib prayers, I met one of the beneficiaries. She greeted me warmly, then reminded me of the support she received through that intervention. She went further to thank me and shared her story on how the grinding machine helped her build stability and how she has now expanded into tailoring. Today, she owns a sewing machine, supports her children’s education, and sustains her household through both grinding and sewing.
That moment brought everything back.
It reminded me that beyond policies and explanations, what truly matters is impact and that impact is real.
Today, I speak again, not as a critic but as a witness. I commend Mohammed Goje for not only responding to my concerns but also for taking action that has directly improved lives in my community.
This experience has reinforced an important lesson: true leadership listens, explains, and, most importantly, delivers.
I raised my voice when I felt something was missing. I raise it again now because something meaningful has been achieved.
Mal. Ibrahim M. Nura
Special Assistant on Information and Communication
Office of the Executive Chairman Potiskum Local Government Area.
