In May 2024, Nigerians came together to support Mallam Haliru Auta, a 72-year-old blind man from Anguwan Gwari in Gwagwalada, after his house was destroyed in a storm. A call went out for assistance, and Nigerians from all walks of life responded positively—sending donations in various amounts, from ₦1,000 to ₦100,000, along with heartfelt prayers for the elderly man.
On May 14th, 2024, Dr. Princess Adenike Tejuosho, the founder of Queen Adenike Tejuosho Foundation, came forward as a prominent figure willing to intervene. She made her way from the city center to Paiko in Gwagwalada, visiting the demolished site in Doshi, Paikon Kore, to inspect the damage. After assessing the situation, Dr. Tejuosho promised to rebuild Mallam Haliru’s home, a three-bedroom bungalow, from scratch to 100% completion within six months.
In addition to the rebuilding promise, Dr. Tejuosho offered to pay one year’s rent for a three-bedroom flat so that Mallam Haliru could temporarily move in while construction was underway. However, Mallam Haliru declined this offer, preferring to stay in his family house until his own home was completed.
The promise from Dr. Tejuosho was met with great joy and relief from the community. Many who had contributed to the fundraising effort halted their campaigns, placing their trust in the renowned humanitarian’s assurance that the rebuilding process would soon begin.
However, it is now with deep regret that we must inform the public that, despite Dr. Tejuosho’s initial promises, no progress has been made. Six months have passed since her visit, and no construction work has started on Mallam Haliru’s house. Dr. Tejuosho has not returned to the site, nor has she made any attempts to deliver the promised building materials or engineers.
Instead, Mallam Haliru and those who had contributed funds for the rebuilding are left in a difficult position. Many of the funds that were collected in good faith were spent by Mallam Haliru, who, hoping to see the construction begin as promised, used some of the money in anticipation of the rebuilding effort. Sadly, the engineers, materials, and resources Dr. Tejuosho had pledged never materialized.
As a result, the community, as well as those who had assisted in fundraising, are now left questioning the fate of their contributions. Many are asking: What happened to the funds we donated? and Why has Dr. Tejuosho not honored her promise?
This situation has caused significant disappointment and frustration. Dr. Tejuosho made a public promise that the community and well-wishers trusted, only to see that promise go unfulfilled. The residents of Gwagwalada, along with Mallam Haliru, are now forced to confront the painful reality that the support they were led to believe would materialize has not come through. It is particularly troubling to note that Dr. Tejuosho initially drove all the way from the city center to intervene, assuring the community that she would take over the rebuilding process. Yet, six months later, there is no evidence that any work has begun. In fact, Mallam Haliru, who had hoped for the best, has been left without any answers.
In the words of Suleiman Ibrahim Brade, whose original Facebook post called out Dr. Tejuosho’s unfulfilled promise, the situation has become one of betrayal: “Princess Adenike Tejuosho deceived us and the old man by making him spend the little money we contributed for the rebuilding of the demolished house, hoping to see engineers and building materials as Princess Adenike Tejuosho promised. But she has not sent a kobo or engineers to start the work.” Six months have passed, and there is still no construction, no explanation, and no response from Dr. Tejuosho. The community was stopped and distracted from continuing the rebuilding process because they believed her intervention would resolve the issue. Instead, they are left with unanswered questions and a failed promise.
It is crucial that Dr. Princess Adenike Tejuosho now comes forward to provide the answers that Mallam Haliru and the Gwagwalada community deserve. The funds contributed by many well-meaning Nigerians were intended to help rebuild a home for an elderly, blind man. Instead, they find themselves in a state of uncertainty, asking why their contributions have not led to any progress.
The people of Gwagwalada, the concerned citizens, and all those who contributed to this noble cause demand accountability from Dr. Tejuosho. It is time for her to explain what happened to the funds and why the promised work has not begun. This is not just a call for answers—it is a call for integrity and respect for those who trusted in a promise made to them. The Gwagwalada community and Mallam Haliru Auta deserve better, and it is time for Dr. Tejuosho to step up and fulfill the commitment she made.
For further updates on this ongoing story, follow Chronicles Reporters for continued coverage.