By Muhammad Amaan
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigerians to embrace voluntary blood donation to save more lives.
State Director of the agency in Jigawa State, Malam Ahmad Tijjani, said this on Sunday in a message to mark the 2026 World Blood Donor Day.
The day is being celebrated on June 14, to recognise and appreciate the contributions of voluntary blood donors.
The theme of the day is: “20 years of celebrating giving: thank you blood donors.”
He said every unit of blood donated saves patients facing emergencies, stressing that Nigerians should regularly and voluntarily donate blood to save lives.
According to him, blood donation saves lives by providing critical support during accidents, surgeries, and medical emergencies, supports maternal health, helps patients with sickle cell, cancer and other conditions, as well as strengthens communities through shared responsibility.
“Blood donation is a life-saving act of solidarity. Every unit of blood donated helps patients facing emergencies, surgeries, childbirth complications, and chronic illnesses.
“Nigerians are reminded that voluntary blood donation is a gift of life that strengthens communities and saves millions worldwide,” he said.
Malam Tijjani highlighted that safe voluntary donation inspired family and friends to give blood, maintain good nutrition and hydration before donating.
“NOA urges Nigerians to take responsibility, volunteer to donate blood and save lives, seek accurate information and learn from trusted health sources, promote healthy living, encourage wellness and safe practices, support blood banks and strengthen community health systems,” he said.
The director reiterated the commitment to awareness creation about the voluntary blood donation to save lives.
In a similar development, the NOA in Kaduna State has called on all eligible citizens to embrace voluntary blood donation as a patriotic and life-saving act of solidarity.
This was contained in a message on Sunday by the state Director of NOA, Mr Danjuma Makama, to commemorate the World Blood Donor Day.
According to him, voluntary blood donation is the highest form of civic responsibility.
Mr Makama said blood and blood products provide critical support to patients facing emergencies, surgeries, childbirth complications and chronic illnesses.
“In 20 years of global celebration, donors have proven that one pint of blood can save three lives.
“NOA Kaduna urges every healthy Nigerian aged 18-65 to take responsibility today. When you donate blood, you give hope, you give life, you strengthen our nation. Give Blood. Share Life. Be a hero,” he said.
Makama observed that the demand for safe blood remains high across major health facilities in the state, particularly Ahmadu Bello Teaching Hospital, Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital and the National Blood Transfusion Service Centre.
While reaffirming the NOA’s commitment to public enlightenment and value reorientation by mobilizing communities to support blood banks and strengthen the state’s health system, he advised citizens to seek accurate information on blood donation from trusted health sources.
He also urged citizens to maintain healthy lifestyles, and adopt safe practices that reduce the need for emergency transfusions.
