Arc. Yemisi Suswam is a philanthropist with a passion for helping the less-privileged in society. Her primary focus is on widows, orphans, youths, and other vulnerable members of society. Her unwavering support for the less-privileged is visible through her NGO, SEV-AV FOUNDATION, which has so far helped lift thousands of youths and widows out of poverty through regular training in various vocational skills, including knitting, tailoring, beading and computer studies, while also supporting efforts to curb the spread of HIV in the state. Her regular visits to motherless babies’ homes are a testament to her lifelong dedication to improving the lives of orphans.

In 2026, her passion for improving the wellbeing of communities continued through the Otukpo Medical Outreach, providing healthcare support and medical services to people in need. She also joined the celebration of Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026, promoting awareness, education and dignity around menstrual health under the theme #PeriodFriendlyWorld. These initiatives reflect her continued commitment to advancing access to healthcare, supporting vulnerable communities, and creating a healthier and more inclusive society.

Her time as First Lady of Benue State (2007–2015) presented her a golden opportunity to touch the lives of people on a massive scale. This was manifested through pet projects such as the Annual Celebrate the Benue Woman, Annual Youth Easter Picnic Festival, Monthly Breakfast Fellowship for Government Officials’ Wives, etc., which helped improve the lives of thousands of less-privileged persons and youths in the state. Her projects were so effective in their positive impacts on the lives of indigent people of Benue that she was awarded Most Valuable Governor’s Wife, North Central Zone of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by Wives of North Central Governors’ Forum in 2014.

Over the years, these selfless humanitarian gestures, both on personal and professional levels, have not gone unnoticed. Arc. (Dr.) Suswam has been recognized by more than 36 local and international organizations. Notable among these awards include the African Achiever Award for Women and Youth (Institute of Leadership and Management, United Kingdom, 2013), Defender of the African Child (African Women in Leadership Summit and Awards, 2011), Award of Honor (Medical Women Association of Nigeria, 2015), Ambassador of Family Planning (United Nations Population Fund, 2013), Woman of Merit Gold Awards (People, State & Resources, 2006), Most Supportive First Lady (Sun Awards, 2014), Best Pet Projects in Nigeria (Queen of the Hearts), and Certificate of Recognition (Nigerian Institute of Building, 2010), amongst others.