Health
FG Honours Journalists Advocating Voluntary Blood Donation
By Justina Auta
Some selected media executives and journalists have been awarded for amplifying public awareness and encouraging citizens to embrace regular blood donation as a national civic duty to save lives.
The recipients were recognised at a media meeting themed: “From Headlines to Lifelines: Media Advocacy for Voluntary Blood Donation” on Monday in Abuja.
The event is in commemoration of the 2025 National Blood Donor Day organised by the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA).
Prof. Saleh Yuguda, Director-General of NBSA, noted the role media and partners play in the quest for safe, voluntary blood donation, urging them to continue the advocacies to inspire voluntary blood donation.
“I urge the media to use their platforms not just to report the problem, but to showcase the solutions,” he said.
He emphasised the need for the media and partners to sustain public education, mobilise community engagement and hold systems accountable on issues around blood donation.
Jibrin Ndache, Director-General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), urged the media to treat blood donation as a national emergency that required sustained media visibility.
He said, “Let us do stories that make blood donation a patriotic duty and a national service. Let us make Nigerians feel proud to donate blood.
“We are powerful people; let us use our power for public good. I encourage young people, especially Gen Z, to embrace regular blood donation. Don’t waste blood, give it to those who need it.”
Prof. Muhammad Pate, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, represented by Dr Salaudeen Jimoh, Director Hospital Services, noted that the media was a strategic partner in improving healthcare in the country.
“I encourage all media organisations represented here today to integrate voluntary blood donation into your editorial calendars, humanitarian campaigns, CSR initiatives and human-interest features.
“Your commitment will strengthen the resilience of our blood service ecosystem and safeguard the lives of millions,” he said.
Some of the journalists, during a panel session on “Advancing Media-Driven Advocacy for Safe Blood in Nigeria”, reaffirmed their commitment to voluntary blood donation drive.
They called for policy implementation, improved funding and stronger partnership with the media to address shortage of blood supply in the country.
The award recipients include Pate, Minister of Health and Social Welfare; Jibrin Ndache D-G VON; Justina Auta, Senior Editor, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN); Mr Sumner Shagari-Sambo, Arise News.
Others are: Joseph Kadiri, President Association of Nigeria Health Journalists (ANHEJ); Chibuike Alagboso, Nigeria Health Watch; Ojoma Akor, Editor of Health and Science Africa; and Ezesimbu Ogom of AIT. (NAN)(www.nannewsng).
Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Abiemwense Moru
