By Catherine Egwuom
The Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, on Monday recognised voluntary blood donors and philanthropists, in commemoration of 2026 World Blood Donor Day.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, which took place in LUTH, had six awardees recognised.
The 2026 World Blood Donor Day had the theme: “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood, Save Lives”.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Gbemisola Oduwaye, Information Officer 1, Department of Public Relations, LUTH, commended the awardees for their act of compassion and conscious efforts in caring for humanity.
Oduwaye said their commitment and countless deeds towards blood donation gave hope to humanity and were appreciated by LUTH.
The award recipients appreciated the management and staff of LUTH for the recognition.
Rev. Esther Ajayi, a Philanthropist and the Founder of The Love of Christ Generation Church, received the “Heart of Gold Award”.
Ajayi was honoured for her outstanding contribution to saving lives and advancing the cause of human compassion.
Mrs Latifah Aliu, Regional Head of Retail Sales, AXA Mansard PLC, an insurance, Investment and Health Management Organisation, received the ” Community Hero Award” on behalf of the company.
Aliu said the staff of AXA Mansard PLC had been donating blood for over 15 years.
She said that donating blood was safe for the donor.
“Blood donation cleanses, helps the donor to be healthy and saves life.
“At AXA Mansard PLC, we donate blood two times a year. This we have done for 15 years,” she said.
Mr Ayodeji Okewumi, Consultant, Chief Operating Officer, Discover Your Potential, an Education Development Space, received the “Beacon of Hope Award”.
Okewumi said his blood donation journey started in 2019 when he donated blood to his nephew suffering from leukemia.
“I became a regular voluntary donor for two years.
“Blood has no substitute. I cannot be alive and have someone die because of unavailability of blood.
“One of the challenges facing blood donation is lack of proper education towards blood donation. My dream is that one day, people will realise the benefits of blood donation.
“It is refreshing to save lives through blood donation.
“I donate with my wife. I have inspired my friends and mobilised and sensitised people on blood donation,” he said.
Other voluntary regular donors were extolled for their selfless service to humanity.
Dr Adeniyi Adiat, Consultant, Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, LUTH, a regular voluntary donor said blood donation reinvigorated the body.
Adiat said regular donation of blood helped the bone marrow to be active and also prevented low blood level at old age.
He said he had been donating blood for over 29 years.
Ms Faith Ehikuwario, Nurse, Pediatric Unit, LUTH, said she was motivated because of her compassion for the newborns in the pediatric unit who constantly required blood transfusion.
According to her, it is fulfilling to save lives.
Ehikuwario noted that voluntary blood donation was her service to the neonates who needed her donation to live.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Vivian Ihechu
