Joel Ajayi
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has applauded philanthropist Queen Halimat Adenike Tejuosho for her outstanding humanitarian contributions, particularly her sustained support for persons with disabilities across Nigeria.
Queen Tejuosho was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Transformational Leadership, Social Work, and Community Service at a colourful ceremony held at the Nigerian National Merit House in Abuja. The event was organised by the Institute of Leadership Manpower and Management as part of its 29th Leadership Manpower Award Celebration.
According to the organisers, the honour was in recognition of her remarkable contributions to community development, social justice advocacy, and the empowerment of vulnerable groups.
Speaking at the event, Minister Olawande commended the awardee’s unwavering dedication to uplifting underserved communities, noting that her initiatives align with the Federal Government’s vision for inclusive and people-centred development.
He described her as a shining example of how private citizens can complement government efforts in driving sustainable social change.
In her acceptance speech, Dr. Tejuosho highlighted the values of listening, patience, and mentorship as pillars of effective leadership. She referenced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a leader whose mentorship and leadership style have inspired many Nigerians. She urged emerging leaders to prioritise mentoring others, stressing that mentorship played a transformative role in her personal and professional journey.
Through the QAT Foundation, Dr. Tejuosho has spearheaded numerous impactful initiatives, including scholarships for indigent students, vocational training programmes for women and youths, and the distribution of assistive devices to persons with disabilities. These interventions have significantly improved livelihoods and expanded opportunities for beneficiaries across the country.
The well-attended ceremony attracted dignitaries from various sectors, with Minister Olawande also honoured at the event.
Observers noted that the recognition of Dr. Tejuosho underscores the growing appreciation for philanthropic leadership in Nigeria and highlights the importance of collaboration between government and private initiatives in advancing national development.
