Lagos celebrates 2025 Blood Donor Day with walk, youth drive, blood donation extravaganza

Lagos marked 2025 World Blood Donor Day with a fitness walk, youth drive and donations despite heavy rain, urging citizens to give blood and give hope

Blood Donor Day Lagos celebrations pressed ahead in full force despite a heavy downpour, as the Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee (LSBTC), commemorated the 2025 World Blood Donor Day with a fitness walk, youth-focused drive and a vibrant extravaganza at its Gbagada headquarters.

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Themed “Give Blood, Give Hope: Together We Save Lives,” the event drew hundreds of volunteers, youth participants and healthcare stakeholders determined to champion the lifesaving act of blood donation.

The day began with a community walk through the rain-soaked streets of Gbagada. Armed with placards bearing bold messages, volunteers from the Nigerian Red Cross and Medical Women Association of Nigeria joined forces with health advocates to raise awareness and rally support for voluntary blood donation across Lagos.

Executive Secretary of the LSBTC, Dr Bodunrin Osikomaiya, delivered a passionate appeal for sustained public engagement in blood donation. She praised voluntary donors as unsung heroes whose selflessness saves lives daily.

“Today, we gather to celebrate the selfless acts of voluntary blood donors who save lives without asking for anything in return. Their actions are noble and their impact immeasurable,” she said.

Dr Osikomaiya emphasised that improving donor numbers requires partnership between citizens, health professionals and the government.

She urged Lagosians to visit the LSBTC facilities to learn how donated blood is screened, stored and distributed, calling this transparency key to dispelling fear and misinformation.

“We are opening our doors wide. When people see the care and professionalism behind every pint, the myths and fears disappear,” she explained.

A new focus this year involved instilling a spirit of volunteerism in children and teenagers. “Volunteerism is a value we must instil early.

You don’t have to be 18 to know what giving blood means,” she noted, adding that hosting the event at the LSBTC headquarters allowed the public to witness the full donation and transfusion process in one setting.

Mr Benjamin Aghoro, Kosofe Divisional Head of the Nigerian Red Cross, praised the LSBTC and Lagos Government for leading blood donation campaigns that are aligned with World Health Organization standards.

“We must keep educating the public and demystify the myths surrounding it,” he said, calling the visible campaign efforts across Lagos a sign of increasing public acceptance.

Consultant Haematologist at Alimosho General Hospital, Dr Adebukola Orolu, highlighted the vital role of blood transfusion in managing anaemia, postpartum haemorrhage and surgical complications.

“In a malaria-endemic region like ours, children need transfusions often. Without voluntary donors, lives are lost daily,” she warned, while urging donors to maintain hydration and rest post-donation.

Corporate Service Manager at Fidson Healthcare Plc, Temitope Akindele, reaffirmed the company’s partnership with the LSBTC as a matter of corporate duty.

“Over 10,000 donors were captured through this platform last year alone. That’s proof of structure and results,” she said, adding that reliable access to blood is a humanitarian priority.

One of the day’s most stirring moments came from Nigerian Red Cross volunteer and blood donor ambassador, Jonathan Aghoro, who shared a personal message.

“One pint of blood can save three lives. That’s powerful. That’s humanity,” he said, debunking myths and urging more Nigerians to see blood donation as a civic and moral act.

“It’s not painful. It’s not dangerous. You leave proud knowing you’ve given someone a second chance at life,” he added.

The Youth Extravaganza rounded off the day with music, games and a burst of celebratory energy as attendees donated blood on-site. Awards were presented to outstanding donors, and organisers pledged to continue nurturing a culture of regular voluntary donation.

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As the rain gave way to clear skies, the message of the day rang loud: every drop matters, and every act of giving saves lives. In the words of one volunteer, “We are not just marking a day. We are building a movement – one drop at a time.”