In a remarkable display of generosity, 1,000 students from Osun State University and local residents gathered at Freedom Park in Osogbo on Friday to voluntarily donate blood. The initiative, aimed at strengthening the national blood bank, was organized by Uniosun Sustainable Development Solution in partnership with the Osun State University Medical Students Association, with additional support from the National Blood Agency.
Participants received free medical check-ups and blood screenings before donating, ensuring their eligibility for the cause. Motadegbe Adeyemi, the President of Uniosun SDG Sustainable Solution, emphasized the critical need for blood donations to save lives, noting that many patients in hospitals across Nigeria suffer due to blood shortages.
“We mobilized 1,000 participants to help fill the national blood bank, which will be crucial for those in urgent need,” Adeyemi explained. He also mentioned that the donations would be delivered to both the Osun State University Teaching Hospital and the National Blood Bank.
By midday, the event had already collected 374 pints, with organizers hopeful of reaching their goal by the end of the day. Adeyemi suggested that regular events of this nature, supported by the government and philanthropic organizations, would help ensure a steady blood supply throughout the year.
Abel Abu, Head of the Donor Recruitment Section for the National Blood Agency in the Southwest, shared the agency’s commitment to increasing blood donations. He stated, “Our goal today is to ensure that 1,000 people donate 1,000 pints of blood, not just for the immediate need but also to set a positive precedent for future events.”
One of the donors, Doyin Ajayi, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to contribute, stating, “I am happy to donate because I know that my blood could save someone’s life in the future.” This successful event highlights the power of community action in addressing critical healthcare needs.
