About The Deborah Bonat Foundation
Empowering widows, orphans, the elderly, missionaries, and new converts to live with dignity, hope, and self-sufficiency.
The Founder
Mama Deborah Iya Bonat
1957 – 23rd March, 2026
For 29 years, Mama Deborah walked the long road of widowhood — not with bitterness, but with an open hand. She distributed firewood, foodstuff, and clothing in Jos. She supported local missionaries in the field. She mentored new converts facing persecution.
Her final act of service was a mission trip to Taraba State — a journey that embodied everything she believed about going where the need is greatest.
Our Blueprint
Objectives & Core Values
Our Objectives
Direct Aid & Advocacy
Provide direct aid, resources, education, vocational training, spiritual support, and advocacy for widows, orphans, the elderly, mission initiatives, and new Christian converts facing persecution and displacement in Nigeria.
Sustainable Solutions
Foster sustainable solutions that address the root causes of vulnerability within these communities, enabling long-term self-reliance.
Strategic Collaboration
Collaborate with local churches, organisations, and government agencies to maximise impact and reach across Nigeria.
Embody Deborah's Spirit
Embody the compassionate spirit and dedication exemplified by Deborah I. Bonat — serving without question or hesitation.
Core Values
Compassion
Driven by empathy and a genuine desire to alleviate suffering.
Integrity
Operating with transparency, accountability, and ethical practices.
Empowerment
Equipping beneficiaries with the skills and resources to become self-reliant.
Dignity
Treating every individual with respect and recognising their inherent worth.
Faith-Based Action
Rooted in Christian principles of love, service, and justice.
Collaboration
Working in partnership to achieve greater impact.
Sustainability
Implementing programmes that foster long-term positive change.
Governance
Leadership & Governance
Board of Trustees
Deborah I. Bonat
Founder & President (In Memoriam)
The heart, vision, and inspiration of the foundation.
Joy Bulus
Treasurer
Blessing Swanta Bonat
Secretary
Board of Directors
[Name TBC]
Chairman, Board of Directors
[Name TBC]
Executive Director
[Name TBC]
Director, Programs
Full board will be announced at foundation launch.
The Operations Team
Executive Director
Responsible for day-to-day operations, programme implementation, and staff management.
Program Managers
Each of the five pillars is overseen by a dedicated manager responsible for budgeting, delivery, and beneficiary reporting.
Field Officers & Social Workers
Community-embedded staff directly involved in beneficiary identification, needs assessment, and programme delivery.
Administrative & Support Staff
Handling finance, communications, fundraising, and logistics to keep the foundation running effectively.
Volunteer Network
Community members engaged across all programmes — visiting, training, mentoring, and distributing.
Be Part of Mama Deborah's Legacy
Every gift and every volunteer hour carries her mission forward — turning persecution into resilience across Nigeria.