The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has partnered with the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA) to launch a sensitization and training campaign aimed at promoting safe blood donation and strengthening media advocacy for healthcare in Nigeria.
The event, held in Abuja, brought together media practitioners, government officials, and health experts in a joint effort to raise awareness and mobilize Nigerians toward voluntary blood donation.
Chairman of the NUJ FCT Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Felix Ojo, said the initiative was conceived “to serve humanity,” stressing that the media remains a vital link between government agencies and the public.
“Journalists are the fourth estate of the realm, watchdogs, and agenda-setters. Despite 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 partnership, noting that only about 40 percent of Nigeria’s annual blood requirement 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 said.
A Director at NBSA, Dr. Sani Abubakar Bako, disclosed that Nigeria required at least two million units of blood annually to meet medical demand, added that maternal mortality caused by excessive bleeding could be significantly reduced with improved voluntary donations.
Head of Media and Communication at NBSA, Haruna Abdullahi, described blood donation as “a gift that not only saves lives but also sustains families,” urging journalists to incorporate blood donation advocacy into their daily reportage.
The President of NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, capped the programme with a symbolic blood donation, called 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 said.
The event climaxed with voluntary blood donations by FCT journalists, which organizers described as a powerful demonstration of service to humanity and commitment to national wellbeing.
