Remi Tinubu tasks Nigerians on voluntary blood donation

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has enjoined Nigerians to engage in voluntary blood donation towards saving lives in the country.

 She made the call in Abuja during the press briefing and marathon organised by the National Blood Transfusion Agency ( NBSA) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health to commemorate this year’s World Blood Donor Day.

 The theme of this year’s commemoration is ‘Give Blood, Give Hope: Together We Save Lives’.

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 Represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, the First Lady commended individuals who have been donating blood over the years.

 She said, “Donating blood is an act of unity. It connects us all — young and old — and gives the priceless gift of life.”

 She also urged Nigerians to consider blood donation not just as a medical necessity, but as a humanitarian act of solidarity.

 The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said blood donation not only saves lives but also provides fulfilment to donors, knowing that they are giving a gift to save the lives of those affected.

 Pate, who was represented by the Director of Hospital Services of the ministry, Dr Salaudeen Jimoh, said this further underscores why the government is making concerted efforts to ensure timely access to safe blood.

 He said this is critical to improving the country’s poor health indices, which is further compounded by a lack of awareness and many unfounded beliefs around blood donation.

 He said less than 30% of 2 million units of blood required in the country’s hospitals are collected, and that only 10% are provided by voluntary, unpaid donors.

 He said, “This means that the large chunk of blood supply comes from family replacement and paid donors, which presents challenges in safety and reliability.”

 The Director General of NBSA, Prof. Saleh Yuguda, said that in Nigeria, the nonavailability of blood contributes about 40% of maternal mortality and 30% of accident-related deaths.

 He said other conditions like cancer patients, children with sickle cell disease, children under the age of 5 years with severe malaria, malnutrition and other infections, patients undergoing surgeries, wait not for miracles, but for blood to survive.

 He said the World Blood Donor Day is celebrated on June 14 every year, as a global tribute to the millions of voluntary, unpaid blood donors who give others a second chance at life.

 He said their generosity saves lives, strengthens communities and embodies the spirit of solidarity.

 He said, “It’s a day to say thank you, but also to spotlight the ongoing, urgent need for safe, regular blood donations. This year, we honour hope, the kindness you give with every drop of blood. Because millions of patients around the world rely on blood transfusions every year, hope flows through every donation.”

 He stated that as long as the country is unable to meet its blood demand, touting and racketeering of blood and blood products will continue to thrive.

 This situation can improve if only 1% of the country’s adult population commits itself to voluntary non-remunerated blood donation on a regular basis, he added.

 Acting Representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Nigeria office,  Dr Alex Chimbaru, urged government  and partners to continue to work assiduously towards safe blood and blood products

 Highlights of the event were the presentation of prizes and awards to the marathon winners, as well as the highest blood donors in the country. Nathan John, who has donated 83 times, emerged as the highest donor, followed by Michael Mzega, who has donated 82 times.