The National Blood Service Agency (NBSA) on Monday marked the 2025 National Blood Donor Day with a renewed call for stronger media advocacy to boost voluntary blood donation across Nigeria.
This year’s commemoration held in Abuja with the theme “From Headlines to Lifelines: Media Advocacy for Voluntary Blood Donation” and the slogan “Your Story Could Save a Life.” The event brought together media executives, health agencies, donor associations, civil society groups, and other key stakeholders.
In his keynote address, the Director-General of the National Blood Service Commission, Prof. Saleh Yuguda, warned that Nigeria still provided less than 40 per cent of its national blood requirement, leaving a dangerous shortfall that put mothers, children, accident victims, cancer patients, and others at risk.
He noted that the fragmented nature of blood services nationwide and heavy dependence on family replacement and commercial donors continue to threaten safety and reliability. “Every pint of unsafe or unavailable blood translates into risk,” he said. Yuguda stressed that the media remained central to correcting myths, educating the public, and mobilizing voluntary, non-remunerated donors.
In a goodwill message, NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, emphasized the need for journalists to use their platforms to transform public perception and drive civic responsibility. She said the theme is a reminder that journalism goes beyond reporting events it shapes lives. “When we amplify positive messages around voluntary blood donation, we are helping our country build a stronger and safer health system,” she stated.
Representing the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Mohammed Ali Pate, Dr. Gloria Uzo-Igwe lauded the initiative and reaffirmed government commitment to improving safe blood supply systems. She stressed that media-driven awareness is essential to reducing preventable deaths and achieving equitable blood access nationwide.
The Guest Speaker and Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, reminded journalists that “every headline is about saving lives,” urged reporters to uphold responsibility in storytelling, especially in emergency and health-related reporting.
A panel discussion on voluntary blood donation featured media practitioners, health experts, and donor advocates, who explored ways to deepen public engagement, humanize donor stories, and strengthen collaboration across sectors.
The event also featured the unveiling of new awareness tools and the introduction of a media-led blood donation challenge aimed at increasing participation across newsrooms and digital platforms.
Stakeholders unanimously agreed that transforming public behaviour required consistent messaging, community-level engagement, and storytelling that inspired trust, empathy, and action.
