Halimat Tejuosho: On Philanthropist’s Extraordinary Contributions to Humanitarian Sector, Nation Building
By MUKHTAR Ya’u Madobi
In a world where selflessness is often overshadowed by personal gain, few individuals stand out as true beacons of hope and generosity. One such individual is Hajiya Halimat Adenike Tejuosho, the Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Queen Adenike Tejuosho Foundation, (QAT Foundation).
Over the years, she has been a remarkable humanitarian cum philanthropist whose tireless efforts have continued impacting the lives of countless people in Nigeria. By utilizing her resources and unwavering commitment through the QAT Foundation, this philanthropist has made significant strides in alleviating the sufferings of vulnerable populations, including people living with disabilities (PWDs), women, youths, and students.
The impact of her work has been profound, ranging from awarding scholarships to providing empowerment in the form of financial grants and start-up capital and engaging in various corporate social responsibility initiatives across several communities.
As such, several beneficiaries across different quarters in Nigeria are singing praise for their life saviour, Hajiya Halimat Tejuosho for her unwavering efforts and dedication towards improving their livelihoods through her giant strides.
Hajiya Halimat has always been at the forefront of exhibiting and displaying uncommon patriotism by always working for the betterment of Nigeria and its citizens. This love for her dear country was once again demonstrated during the ongoing nationwide hunger protests where she has been traveling across the nook and crannies of the country thereby sensitizing the minds of the populace, especially youths on the danger of violent approaches in registering grievances.
According to Halimat Tejuosho, embracing constructive dialogue between citizens and government will help better in facilitating and paving the way for Tinubu’s administration to address the current concerns and uplift the country to greater heights.
Firstly, she visited Kogi State and preached peace to the people, as a result, the Coalition of Concerned Kogi Indigenes (CCKI)- a group with more than 1 million active members announced their withdrawal from participating in the national Protests. This timely intervention by Hajiya Halimat was the main reason why the hunger protests couldn’t see the light of day in the confluence state.
Again, she equally risked her life and stormed Jos, the capital city of Plateau State, where a significant level of violence including vandalism and looting of properties was recorded during the protests. She also preaches the gospel of peace to the participants by assuring them of Tinubu’s administration’s commitment and dedication to addressing their grievances and his efforts in building a Nigeria where every citizen is dreaming.
This masterstroke demonstrated by the Iron Lady has no doubt helped greatly in dousing tensions across the North-central state.
Meanwhile, as a testament to Hajiya Halimat’s empathy and great service towards people with special needs, the Arewa Youth with Disabilities Forum paid her a courtesy visit in Abuja last month to ” identify with the philanthropist who has demonstrated uncommon dedication in caring for the less privileged using her resources.”
Therefore, it was not surprising when the guests seized the moment and honored the seasoned Humanitarian advocate with the award of ‘PWDs Model and Philanthropist of the Year.’ This development has further demonstrated her untiring and selfless service to the PWDs community, the downtrodden and the elderly across the 19 northern states and the country at large.
In his address, the President of Arewa Youth With Disabilities Forum, Mallam Muhammad Musa Zaria thanked their host for welcoming them and restated their appreciation of her tireless efforts in ameliorating the plight of People Living With Disabilities (PWDs) all over the country. He prayed to Almighty Allah to make it easy for her and grant her heart desires.
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“We are proud to identify with you. Indeed you are a worthy Ambassador of our community as you have consistently offered your entire life for the betterment of the downtrodden. Even as we continue to call for your nomination as the Honourable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, our prayers are with you and we are convinced you will perform excellently well, so using our resources on you at any rate is in line.”
No doubt, judging by the sensitive nature of the Humanitarian Ministry and the fact that the leadership position has been left vacant for a long time due to corruption and ineptitude, it is therefore, high time to consider a person worthy of recognition for replacement so that Nigerians can continue smiling even in the present economic hardships.
The Need for a Leader in Humanitarian Affairs
In light of these extraordinary contributions, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu should consider appointing Hajiya Halimat Tejuosho to the vacant position of Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation courtesy of her good track record of performance in helping the needy. The strategic importance of this ministry cannot be overstated, especially during these critical times.
Nigeria is home to a diverse and dynamic population, but it is also a country grappling with significant humanitarian challenges. Millions of Nigerians live in poverty, with many more facing vulnerabilities due to disabilities, gender inequalities, and lack of access to education and economic opportunities. The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation plays a crucial role in addressing these issues, by providing essential support and services to those in need.
With Hajiya Halimat Tejuosho at the helm, the ministry would benefit from a leader who has firsthand experience and a proven track record of making a difference in people’s lives. Her deep understanding of the challenges being faced by marginalized communities, coupled with her innovative approaches to problem-solving, would ensure that the ministry’s programs are both effective and impactful.
One of the standout aspects of Hajiya Halimat Tejuosho’s work is her focus on empowerment. By awarding scholarships, she has paved the way for opportunities for countless students, enabling them to pursue their dreams and contribute to the nation’s development. Also, her giant strides in using personal resources to provide start-up materials and capital have empowered women and youths to start their businesses, fostering economic independence and growth within communities.
Such initiatives align perfectly with the goals of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Tinubu aimed at making Nigeria a better place for the citizens to thrive. No doubt, if given a chance to lead the Ministry, with her vast experiences and skills, Hajiya Halimat Tejuosho could expand these programs, reaching even more people and creating a ripple effect of positive change across the country. Her vision for empowerment and sustainable development would be instrumental in driving the ministry’s mission forward.
Again, The importance of having a dedicated leader for this Ministry like Hajiya Halimat Tejuosho cannot be overstated, especially during these critical times when Nigeria is facing a range of challenges, from economic instability to social unrest. The ministry’s role in providing humanitarian aid, supporting poverty alleviation initiatives, and promoting social inclusion is more crucial than ever.
Leaving the ministry without a leader hampers its ability to respond effectively to these challenges. It is essential to have a capable and compassionate individual at the helm, someone who can steer the ministry towards achieving its goals and ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind.
Therefore, the appointment of Hajiya Halimat Tejuosho would bring much-needed stability and direction to the ministry, allowing it to operate at its full potential.
In a nutshell, Hajiya Halimat Tejuosho is not only a commendable individual whose philanthropic efforts have transformed countless lives but also the ideal candidate to lead the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. Her appointment would be a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the pressing humanitarian needs of the nation and empowering its most vulnerable citizens.
As Nigeria navigates through these challenging times, the leadership of someone as dedicated and visionary as Hajiya Halimat Tejuosho is essential. Her proven track record, deep empathy, and innovative approaches to humanitarian work make her the perfect choice to steer the ministry towards a brighter and more inclusive future for all Nigerians.
Rest assured, if considered, the appointment of Hajiya Halimat Tejuosho would be a ‘square peg in a square hole.’ Surely!
MUKHTAR Ya’u Madobi writes from Kano via [email protected]
