> “When you educate one child, you empower a generation. When you give hope, you build a future.”
— Nurse Akila John Jatau, CEO/Founder, Buhknom Development Foundation
In the heart of Nigeria, a quiet revolution is taking place — a movement of compassion, service, and transformation led by the Buhknom Development Foundation (BDF).
Founded by Nurse Akila John Jatau, a registered public health nurse and social entrepreneur, BDF has become a beacon of hope for thousands of children, women, and vulnerable families across Northern Nigeria.
What began as a small community outreach has evolved into a life-changing organization with one clear vision: to give hope, empower lives, and build sustainable communities.
*Mission and Vision*
The foundation’s mission is to empower vulnerable populations in underserved areas through comprehensive health initiatives, transformative educational programs, and sustainable economic empowerment projects — fostering long-term development and improving overall community well-being.
Its vision is to build a thriving society where every individual in underserved communities can access quality healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, leading to sustainable development and an enhanced quality of life.
Educational Support: Building a Future of Hope
BDF’s Educate to Empower initiative is one of its flagship programs. Through it, the foundation provides school materials, uniforms, and psychosocial support to children affected by poverty and crisis.
Recently, the organization visited LEA Primary School Kuchiko-Ija in Niger State, where 101 pupils received customized exercise books, pens, and mentorship sessions on Time Management, Good Manners, and Personal Discipline.
> “We feel happy that someone remembered us,” said Gloria, one of the pupils. “I will take my studies seriously.”
The visit brought joy not only to the children but also to their teachers and community leaders, including the Chief of Kuchiko-Ija, who commended BDF’s efforts in promoting education at the grassroots level.
EmpowerHer Skills Training: Turning Potential into Progress
Through its EmpowerHer Skills Program, BDF has trained and equipped women and girls in tailoring, baking, and craft-making.
Many beneficiaries have since started small businesses, demonstrating that empowerment is not mere charity — it is transformation.
Health and Nutrition: Saving Lives, One Family at a Time
In rural communities, where mothers and children face preventable illnesses and malnutrition, BDF’s Healthy Start Initiative and Combating Malnutrition Program are making a lasting impact.
The foundation provides prenatal and postnatal care, nutrition support, and health education, helping to reduce maternal and child mortality rates.
These efforts have saved lives and brought renewed hope to families in underserved areas.
Clean Water and Environmental Awareness
Recognizing that water is life, BDF has carried out awareness campaigns on clean water, hygiene, and sanitation in schools and communities.
Although the foundation has not yet implemented large-scale water projects due to limited funding, plans are underway to expand this effort as resources become available.
The vision remains strong — to one day provide clean water access to every community BDF serves.
Reaching the Forgotten: Widows and Orphans Outreach
Every December, the foundation organizes outreach programs for widows and orphans, providing food, clothing, and educational support.
> “BDF reminded us that God still cares for widows,” said one beneficiary in Kushamfa ‘A’. “They didn’t just give food — they gave love.”
Through this program, BDF restores dignity and hope to those often overlooked by society.
*Upcoming Programs Before the Year Ends*
Before the close of 2025, BDF is set to implement several key humanitarian projects aimed at reaching more vulnerable individuals:
1️⃣ December 2025 Widows and Orphans Project
The foundation targets to support 300 orphans with educational materials — including school uniforms, books, pens, and sandals — to help them return to school with confidence.
In addition, 200 widows across selected vulnerable communities will receive wrappers and food items, while 30 widows will be empowered with skills and startup support to improve their livelihoods.
2️⃣ Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Project
On November 12, 2025, BDF will hold a Menstrual Hygiene Project at Government Girls Unity Secondary School, Oboroke via Obangede, Kogi State.
The program will educate female students from SS1 to SS3 on menstrual hygiene and health management. The foundation targets 150 girls and plans to provide them with menstrual pads as part of the awareness campaign.
These upcoming interventions demonstrate BDF’s continuous commitment to improving lives through compassion, education, and empowerment.
A Foundation Built on Compassion and Action
What distinguishes BDF is not only what it does but how it does it.
From remote villages in Niger State to rural communities in Kaduna and Kogi, its volunteers and nurses deliver practical help — through education, skills, and healthcare — to those who need it most.
> “We go where others may not go. We listen. We serve. We empower,” says the Founder.
*Expanding the Vision*
As BDF continues to grow, it is expanding its programs to include:
Scholarships for vulnerable children in rural schools.
Community health outreaches for mothers and children.
Youth leadership and entrepreneurship bootcamps in collaboration with the Total Man Leadership and Entrepreneurship Institute (TMLEI).
Educational technology support to enhance learning through innovation.
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*A Call to Action*
The foundation invites individuals, organizations, and partners to join hands in its mission to build a better Nigeria.
How to Support:
Sponsor a child’s education.
Support a woman to acquire vocational skills.
Partner with BDF for community projects.
Donate through the organization’s verified GlobalGiving page.
🌐 Visit: https://bdfgivinghope.org.ng
Words from the Founder
> “We believe hope is the foundation for every transformation.
BDF exists to show that compassion still changes lives — one community at a time.”
— Nurse Akila John Jatau, CEO/Founder
Buhknom Development Foundation (BDF) — Bringing Hope, Changing Lives.
