QAT Foundation CEO, Halimat Tejuosho Bags ‘Philanthropist of the Year Award’
The Arewa Youth with Disabilities Forum (AYDF) honoured a renowned philanthropist and the Founder/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Queen Adenike Tejuosho Foundation, (QAT Foundation), Hajiya Halimat Adenike Tejuosho with ‘Award of Philanthropist of the Year.’
This is in recognition of her untiring and selfless humanitarian services being rendered to the community of People Living With Disabilities (PWDs), the downtrodden and the elderly across the 19 northern states and the country at large.
The award was presented when the members of the Forum paid a courtesy call to her office on Saturday in Abuja.
The essence of the visit was to commend the philanthropist’s unwavering efforts and uncommon dedication towards caring for the less privileged using her personal resources.
In his address, the President of the Forum, Mallam Muhammad Musa Zaria thanked the philanthropist 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, praying Almighty Allah to make it easy for her and grant her heart desires.
According to him, “we are proud to identify with you. Indeed you’re a worthy ambassador of our community as you’ve 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’re convinced you’ll perform excellently well, so using our personal resources on you at any rate is in line.
“Judging by the sensitive nature of the Ministry and the fact that it has been left vacant for a long time due to corruption and ineptitude of the last Minister, if consider ins ha Allah, we urge you to discharge your duties with outmost integrity and with the spirit of inclusion so that Nigerians will smile even in the present hardships and widespread poverty”.
In her remarks, the philanthropist thanked the Executives and members of Arewa Youth With Disabilities Forum for finding her worthy of the solidarity visit and the honour done her. She pledged to do more for the PWD community at any rate .
“I’m thrilled with your visit and honour. It is always a delight to be recognized for your little efforts. To have traveled from the north to my home to honour me is something I can’t forget in a hurry. Your entire community support towards Mr president and our mummy the first lady is humbling and I will do everything in my personal capacity to continue to create equal and inclusive opportunity for the PWD community by his Grace.
“Regardless, I want to use this opportunity to appeal to you and all Nigerians to give Mr. President all the necessary support he needs to succeed. Be rest assured that in no distant time, Nigerians will begin to reap the gains of the present reforms as his critics will be put to shame and Nigeria will triumph”, she assured.
Highlights of the occasion included the award of multimillion scholarships to over 200 students in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions as well as the distribution of Wheel Chairs, hearing aids, and clutches to mention but a few.
Similarly, a cash token of ₦10,000 was given to over 139 senior citizens and PWDs who were present as she charged the recipients “to recognize ability even in their disabilities and remain politically active by engaging effectively with their elected and appointed representatives so as to safeguard their rights”.