HRH (Dr.) Halimat Adenike Tejuosho, Founder, QAT Foundation
THE TOP10 MAGASINE FEMALE HUMANITARIAN SERVICE ICON OF THE YEAR
Royal blood runs through the veins of Dr. Halimat Adenike Tejuosho just as the milk of human kindness fills her heart. The life of the wife of Oba Adedapo Adewale Tejuosho, the Osile of Oke Ona Egbaland, revolves around giving, developing, defending and caring for the poor and the less privileged. Philanthropy could well be a fitting middle name of the wife of the paramount ruler.
She is the Founder and CEO of Queen Adenike Tejuosho (QAT) Foundation through which she gives vent to her vaunting philanthropy, passion and compassion for the poor. QAT is a multicultural humanitarian foundation that is setting the pace in the field of humanitarian activities in Nigeria and making life livelier and more meaningful for the PWDs and other vulnerable groups in the country.
The Foundation has established a far-reaching presence in alleviating the struggles of Nigeria’s most disadvantaged. Her series of recent philanthropic efforts are testament to her deep-rooted commitment to supporting the less fortunate and tackling poverty at its core. For instance, to commemorate Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebration, Dr. Tejuosho spearheaded a digital empowerment initiative, distributing 30 smartphones to young Nigerians. This initiative aimed to enhance digital literacy and provide opportunities for youth to engage in the growing digital economy. In a country where unemployment remains a pressing issue, such efforts show her forward-thinking approach to addressing economic disparities by equipping the younger generation with tools for self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Tejuosho’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of PLWDs has been a defining feature of her humanitarian journey. Recognizing the challenges faced by this demographic, she has awarded scholarships to individuals with disabilities, empowering them with education and the skills needed to thrive.
Her focus on inclusion is further underscored by her support for grassroots politicians such as Mr. Yahaya Lawan Dantatu, a politician living with disability. Hajiya Tejuosho purchased nomination form for Mr. Dantatu as part of her drive to ensure PLWDs are represented in political offices, showing her belief in inclusive leadership and governance.
Her commitment to the PLWD community has made her a respected figure among disability rights groups, who recognize her as a true champion of their cause. She does not just advocate for the poor and marginalized from a distance—she actively engages with them, making a tangible difference in their lives.
Beyond her immediate philanthropic projects, Halimat Tejuosho has a clear and comprehensive vision for poverty alleviation in Nigeria. Her approach involves tackling the root causes of poverty—lack of access to education, poor healthcare, and economic inequality—through targeted initiatives that empower individuals and communities.
Under her guidance, the QAT Foundation has run programs that emphasize skills acquisition, healthcare access, and entrepreneurial support,
Another major focus of the QAT Foundation is providing educational opportunities in form of scholarships and educational materials for out-of-school children and the vulnerable in Abuja.
By funding scholarships and educational programs, Halimat Tejuosho addresses one of the most critical issues facing Nigeria today—access to quality education. Her interventions have helped countless children return to school, laying the foundation for a better future for Nigeria’s youth.
Dr. Tejuosho’s exemplary work has not gone unnoticed. At some earlier this year various leaders and stakeholders rallied behind her advocacy for the position of Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation when the position became vacant.
In one such case, leaders of the Kano State chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) representing PLWDs called for her appointment, praising her tireless efforts to advocate for the rights of vulnerable groups. This endorsement from a critical group within the ruling party highlights the deep trust and confidence placed in her leadership abilities by those who understand the needs of the marginalized.
Tejuosho’s leadership style is grounded in empathy, inclusivity, and action. She has consistently demonstrated her ability to bring together diverse stakeholders—community leaders, private sector partners, and government agencies—to deliver impactful results. Her leadership transcends mere rhetoric, as she takes practical steps to uplift those in need.
Her recent support for Mr. Yahaya Lawan Dantatu, a grassroots politician with a disability, showcases her belief in empowering others to lead. By ensuring representation for marginalized groups in politics, Dr. Tejuosho is fostering an inclusive political landscape where all Nigerians have a voice, regardless of their circumstances.
Thus, Dr. Hajiya Halimat Adenike Tejuosho has proven herself as a tireless advocate for the marginalized, a forward-thinking leader in the fight against poverty, and a compassionate humanitarian dedicated to making a difference in the lives of everyday Nigerians.
Her extensive work through the QAT Foundation demonstrates her ability to lead transformative change on a national scale.
Dr Tejuosho holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management, and a Ph.D. in Peace and Conflict Management and Political Science. She possesses extensive knowledge and expertise across multiple fields. Her academic accomplishments reflect her commitment to continuous learning and personal growth
Dr. Tejuosho is not just about philanthropy and catering for the needs of the needy and vulnerable. She is a distinguished figure in both the business world. As the Managing Director/CEO of several companies, including Haleems Integrated Services Ltd., Haleems Construction Ltd., Haleems Royal Homes Ltd., Haleems Farms Ltd., Haleems Energy Ltd., and Haleems Agricultural Products Ltd., she demonstrates exceptional leadership and vision in the corporate world.
As a contractor with the Ecological Funds Office Committee and other multinational companies in Nigeria, Dr. Tejuosho plays a vital role in infrastructure development and project management. Additionally, she serves as the Chancellor of Espam Formation University in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, contributing to the advancement of education and the dissemination of knowledge.
HRH Dr. Halimat Adenike Tejuosho is honoured as the Top10 Magazine’s Female Humanitarian Service Icon of the Year 2024 in recognition of her numerous humanitarian accomplishments.
