World Blood Donor Day: Donate blood, it’s an act of volunteerism –Oyo NOA Director says
BY STEPHEN GBADAMOSI
As the world commemorates World Blood Donor Day, the Oyo State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs. Ajolayo Simiat Akande, has called on individuals to donate blood voluntarily, describing the gesture as one of the highest forms of volunteerism and service to humanity.
According to a press release she personally signed and made available to journalists in Ibadan at the weekend to mark the occasion, Mrs. Akande stated that one of the surest ways to demonstrate love, compassion, and brotherly care was through voluntary blood donation.
According to her, the annual observance of World Blood Donor Day promotes empathy and exemplifies genuine love for humanity.
She noted that safe blood donated at the right time is a stitch in time that saves nine, as it saves lives, increases access to blood transfusion services, and promotes sustainability in healthcare delivery.
Mrs. Akande emphasised that voluntary blood donation remained a selfless act capable of giving hope and a second chance to patients in critical need of blood.
The NOA Director frowned at the growing practice of turning blood donation into a commercial venture, urging those involved in such activities to desist and warning that the commercialisation of blood donation could undermine the noble objectives of the exercise and jeopardise public health.
She further encouraged citizens to participate actively in voluntary programmes that call for blood donors and to support national blood donation initiatives aimed at saving lives.
Mrs. Akande also urged residents of Oyo State to see themselves as their brothers’ keepers by donating blood through certified blood banks, community health centres, and programmes organized by reputable organisations such as the Jaycees, MSS, JDPC, and other recognised bodies.
World Blood Donor Day is celebrated annually on June 14 to raise awareness about the need for safe blood and blood products, while encouraging regular voluntary blood donation to support healthcare systems worldwide.
