The Director-General of the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA), Saleh Yuguda, has called on Nigerian journalists to use their platforms to sensitize the public on the importance of safe and voluntary blood donation.
At a one-day workshop organised by the NBSA in collaboration with the FCT Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Yuguda lamented that many Nigerians donate blood only for financial reward or when a relative is in critical need.
The event, held in Abuja, brought together journalists, government representatives, and health experts in a groundbreaking partnership that underscores the media’s pivotal role in saving lives through public enlightenment.
Chairman of the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Felix Ojo, emphasized that the initiative was designed “to serve humanity,” noting that the media remains indispensable in bridging the gap between government agencies and the public.
“Journalists are the fourth estate of the realm, watchdogs, and agenda-setters. Despite facing enormous challenges ranging from inadequate resources to limited welfare support we remain committed to informing and educating Nigerians, particularly on critical health issues such as safe blood donation,” Ojo stated.
Director-General of NBSA, Professor Saleh Yuguda, applauded the NUJ partnership, stressing that the media is essential to ensuring safe blood availability and boosting public confidence in blood screening processes.
“Only about 40 percent of Nigeria’s blood demand is currently met. With stronger media advocacy, we can raise awareness, mobilize donors, and ensure that safe blood is available for emergencies, including maternal care, cancer treatment, and accident victims,” Yuguda noted.
In his presentation, a Director with NBSA, Sani Bako highlighted that Nigeria needs at least 2 million units of blood annually to meet medical demand, stressing that preventable deaths especially maternal mortality due to excessive bleeding can be drastically reduced with improved voluntary donations and stronger healthcare infrastructure.
Head of Media and Communication at NBSA, Haruna Abdullahi, reinforced the life-saving impact of blood donation, describing it as “a gift that not only saves lives but also sustains families.” He urged journalists to normalize blood donation messaging in their reportage while advocating for policies such as blood transfusion insurance.
The President of NUJ, Alhassan Yahya, capped the event with a symbolic blood donation, calling on journalists nationwide to lead by example.
“I feel honored donating blood today, not knowing who will benefit, but assured that it will save a life. Our role is to amplify awareness, track healthcare budget performance, and advocate for improved allocations to vital services like the blood transfusion agency,” Yahya affirmed.
Highlight of the event was the voluntary blood donations by the FCT Journalists, a powerful demonstration of service to humanity and commitment to national wellbeing.
