By Abubakar Rabilu
The state government yesterday launched a large-scale voluntary blood donation drive that brought together hundreds of residents, religious bodies and health partners in a bid to shore up emergency health services and halt the commercialisation of blood.
Speaking at the flag-off event, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Habu Dahiru, said the campaign held under the banner “Donate Blood, Save a Life” to coincide with Valentine’s Day is meant to ensure that safe blood is readily available for victims of road crashes and women who develop complications during childbirth.
“Many accident victims and women in labour require immediate transfusion. This campaign is about preparedness and saving lives when every minute counts,” Dr Dahiru said, adding that donors were screened to ensure they were aged between 19 and 55, in good health and weighed at least 50 kilograms.
Health officials said the exercise, which began with preparatory collections ahead of the official launch, had yielded some 280 pints of blood by the end of the day.
Authorities described the haul as a promising start toward building a reliable blood bank for the state’s tertiary and emergency centres.
Dr Dahiru also condemned the sale of blood in parts of the country, calling it unethical and risky. “We are promoting voluntary, non-remunerated donations so access is equitable and safety standards are upheld,” he said.
The campaign drew robust support from faith-based and community groups.
The Deputy Director of the First Aid Group of JIBWIS, Magaji Baba, said the organisation mobilised about 100 youths to donate and pledged ongoing collaboration.
A representative of the WHO framed blood donation as a civic and moral duty, while traditional authorities represented at the event by Alhaji Abdulkadir Abubakar urged residents across religious and social lines to contribute to the lifesaving effort.
In his address, the Deputy Governor, Manassah Daniel Jatau, said the administration has prioritised healthcare since taking office in 2019 and commended donors and partner organisations, including JIBWIS, JNI and the Boys Brigade, for their support.
Officials reiterated that donated blood is not for sale and warned that any malpractice would be investigated and punished.
They described the campaign as a renewed commitment to building a sustainable, community-driven blood banking system anchored on voluntary service, transparency and accountability.
