By Ayomide Otitoju
Lagos State witnessed a robust turnout of voluntary blood donors on Saturday as the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS) joined other African countries to mark the first-ever Red Saturday, a continental initiative aimed at boosting safe blood availability across the region. The exercise took place simultaneously at general hospitals, partner NGOs, and community centres, attracting residents eager to save lives.
Dr. Bodunrin Osikomaiya, Executive Secretary of LSBTS, monitored the drive at General Hospital Ifako-Ijaiye, Gbagada General Hospital, and the LSBTS headquarters. She said the initiative was timely, coming at a period when voluntary donations typically decline due to year-end travel and seasonal health challenges. “Red Saturday is a pan-African initiative promoting voluntary non-remunerated blood donation to ensure sustainable access to safe blood,” she stated.
Coordinated by the African Society for Blood Transfusion (AfSBT) and the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA), Lagos played a leading role through its hospitals and partner facilities. Dr. Osikomaiya added that blood collected during the drive would stabilize the state’s supply for at least 35 days, meeting expected December demand.
The drive also aimed to expand the pool of regular voluntary donors. Dr. Osikomaiya encouraged participants to bring friends and family, highlighting that cultivating a culture of sustained donation ensures long-term availability for emergencies, surgeries, childbirth, and other critical medical needs.
Mrs. Olayinka Animashaun, Head of Donor Recruitment at LSBTS, described Red Saturday as a unifying African event raising awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donation. She noted that Lagos was mobilizing donors across general hospitals, maternity facilities, and community centres to help achieve the national target of 10,000 units set by the NBSA.
Donors shared their personal motivations for giving. At Gbagada General Hospital, educator Oladayo Kehinde Popoola said he left work to participate, encouraged by his twin brother. “You don’t know whose life you might be saving,” he said. Businessman Norbert Chidi Obata, a first-time donor, emphasized the importance of regular donation in preventing avoidable deaths.
At Omologede Estate, Wasiu Ogunwoolu, Chairman of the CDA, recalled how past donations improved his health and expressed satisfaction that each donation could save up to three lives. Resident Samiat Ogundairo added that blood donation also helps donors monitor their health, encouraging future participation.
Across all centres, health workers reported steady streams of donors, including first-timers and repeat volunteers, praising the organisation, safety protocols, and community awareness efforts. LSBTS officials noted that the success of the drive reflected the impact of strategic public sensitization, community partnerships, and multi-centre coordination.
Dr. Osikomaiya concluded: “One donation can save multiple lives, and today, Lagos showed up for Africa.” Organizers said the momentum from Red Saturday will feed into long-term efforts to expand Lagos’ voluntary donor base, reduce reliance on family replacement donations, and ensure steady availability of safe blood across the state and the continent.
