As Act of Compassion Lets All go out and Donate Blood to Save Lives” Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON

By: Our Reporter

World Blood Donor Day, observed every year across the globe, was established in 2004 by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The day aims to raise public awareness about the need for safe blood and blood products, highlight their impact on patients’ lives, encourage regular blood donation and recognize the invaluable contributions of voluntary unpaid blood donors in saving lives.

Marked with different themes each year on the 14th of June, World Blood Donor Day has become a significant event in global health with various activities and campaigns organized worldwide to promote blood donation.

The theme for 2025, “Give blood, Give hope: together we save lives,” highlights the message of hope that every drop of donated blood carries.

In commemoration of the day, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, took part in the Abuja City Marathon Walk, from Millennium Park to Eagle Square. Represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, the First Lady encouraged Nigerians to donate safe blood.

In her remarks, Hajiya Nana Shettima stated:
“As we run side by side, walk in solidarity, and come together as one, we honour the selfless gift of blood donation a powerful act that brings healing, offers hope, and saves lives.”

Senator Oluremi Tinubu expressed hope that the marathon would mark the beginning of a movement where voluntary blood donation becomes a norm in every Nigerian community. She encouraged people to embrace the noble act of blood donation, noting that it carries the power to heal and often makes the difference between life and death for a mother in childbirth, a road accident victim, or a patient undergoing surgery.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Ali Pate, represented by Dr. Jimoh Salaudeen, Director of Hospital Services, stated that the day serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about blood donation as a testament to community compassion. He called for increased community efforts to donate blood in order to meet the life-saving demand for blood nationwide.

Dr. Pate further noted that the Federal Government has provided adequate funding to the National Blood Service System, established centers across various states, and launched several initiatives to bridge the gap in blood supply and management.

The Director General of the Nigeria Blood Service Agency, Professor Saleh Yuguda, while acknowledging the generosity of volunteers in saving lives, emphasized the need for safe blood donation. He stressed the importance of building a sustainable pool of donors sufficient to meet the needs of patients requiring transfusions.

According to Professor Yuguda, Nigeria is among the countries facing a shortage in blood supply. Despite needing two million units of blood annually, the country collects only half of that amount, leading to avoidable deaths — not due to lack of treatment, but because of the unavailability of blood in many cases.

He emphasized that developing a culture of regular, voluntary blood donation is crucial to improving the situation.

In a goodwill message, the World Health Organization, one of the key development partners, hailed blood donors as the heroes of our society.

Climax of the Event included Honors for Highest Blood Donors , Medals for the winners of Abuja City Marathon, unveiling of NBSA magazine as well as individuals Donating Blood to the NBSA blood bank.

As Act of Compassion Lets All go out and Donate Blood to Save Lives” Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON