BDF Evolution

Globally, there has been an increase in philanthropy as citizens become more aware of their collective responsibilities to humanity in general. Borno is home to highly educated and experienced sons and daughters, who were beneficiaries of scholarships and grants in the past. With the challenges being faced by the people of Borno, these distinguished citizens of Borno who have served in various capacities at home and abroad and continue to do so, have come together in the year 2021, to establish the Foundation as a non partisan, non political and non religious private non profit to serve as a platform to embrace philanthropy as a toll of intervention to improve the lives of our communities.

N180 Million

and various food and personal care products as in kind donations

510,000+

Indigenes reached

33 Tribes

out of Nigeria’s about 371 tribes

27

Local Governments

Based on the experience gained from the Borno State Palliative Committee (BSPC) and the Implementation Committee during the challenging months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the establishment of a more resilient framework like the Borno Development Foundation (BDF) was considered both timely and necessary. It was observed that governments at all levels were actively responding to the crisis, but the scale of the challenges was immense. Limited funding further complicated efforts due to a downturn in revenue from the combined effects of the pandemic and reduced crude oil sales.

In the short term, the proposed focus of the Borno Palliatives Support (BPS) initiative was directed toward addressing the economic fallout from COVID-19. However, the vision extended beyond immediate relief, aiming to establish an organization capable of addressing Borno State’s long-term social, political, and economic challenges. BDF’s mandate, therefore, is centered on providing strong institutional support during times of uncertainty and adversity to enhance societal resilience.

The short term objectives of the Borno State Palliative Committee (BSPC) and the Implementation Committee became foundational to BDF’s mission and includes:

COVID-19 Palliatives Distribution
Healthcare Initiatives
Public Enlightenment Programs
IDP Camp Support
Monitoring & Evaluation
COVID-19 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Fund
Policy Making
Education

The structural framework suggested for the BDF consisted of:
1. A Board of Trustees: Responsible for oversight and strategic guidance.
2. An Implementing Management Committee which later became the BDF Governing Board: Tasked with executing initiatives and managing day-to-day operations.
These structures were intended to create a sustainable, impactful organization capable of adapting to and addressing the evolving needs of Borno State for years to come.

TRANSITION FROM BORNO PALLIATIVES SUPPORT (BPS) TO BORNO DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION (BDF)

At the June 13, 2020, meeting of the Borno Palliatives Support (BPS) Implementation Committee, chaired by Alhaji Mohammad Makinta, a significant update was provided on palliative efforts in Borno State. Key attendees included representatives from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), invited by the Chairman, who commended SEMA’s steadfastness and commitment.

During the meeting, the Chairman updated the committee on discussions between the Borno State Palliative Committee (BSPC) and the Implementation Committee, under the directive of Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum. The BSPC Chairman advised prioritizing Muna Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, recommending that 3,750 relief packages be delivered there. The remaining 1,250 packages were designated for other IDP camps with southern Borno indigene occupants, following thorough consultations.

In a broader strategic move for sustainable impact, consultations led to the proposal of an Interim Management Committee to transition the Borno Palliatives Support Project into a more enduring entity, named the Borno Development Foundation (BDF). An 8-person Implementation Committee, chaired by Alhaji Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, was tasked with steering this transformation.

The BDF’s mandate was outlined to include registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as an Incorporated Trustee. The then aspired Borno Development Foundation would aim to create a framework to alleviate hardships for Borno’s most vulnerable citizens, supplementing government efforts as an additional safety net. The BDF would focus on fostering sustainable, progressive practices across the 27 Local Government Areas to improve quality of life.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the BPS raised over N50 million and gathered substantial in-kind donations, including food and personal care products, to support the most affected groups. With the BDF’s CAC registration and established governance structure, BPS’s capabilities, resources, and network now underpin the BDF’s sustainable model for ongoing social impact in Borno State.

Stakeholders

The BDF welcomes charitable donations from individual, family and corporate philanthropies, multilateral agencies, and mega-national agencies, African Diaspora communities, etc. The BDF’s considers the following as its stakeholders; Indigenes and residents of Borno State, the Borno State Executive Council, Borno State House of Assembly, Borno State MDAs, Local Governments, National and International Private Sector Operators, Development Partners, the Federal Government & Federal MDAs, Corporate Nigeria, Multilateral Agencies e.t.c.