The Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, on Monday recognized voluntary blood donors and philanthropists in commemoration of the 2026 World Blood Donor Day.
It was reported that the event, which took place at LUTH, honored six awardees.
The 2026 World Blood Donor Day theme was: “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood, Save Lives.”
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Gbemisola Oduwaye, Information Officer 1 of the Department of Public Relations at LUTH, commended the awardees for their acts of compassion and conscious efforts in caring for humanity.
Oduwaye stated that their commitment and countless deeds toward blood donation give hope to humanity and are highly appreciated by LUTH.
The award recipients expressed gratitude to the management and staff of LUTH for the recognition.
Rev. Esther Ajayi, a philanthropist and founder of The Love of Christ Generation Church, received the “Heart of Gold Award.”
Ajayi was honored for her outstanding contributions to saving lives and promoting human compassion.
Mrs. Latifah Aliu, Regional Head of Retail Sales at AXA Mansard PLC, an insurance, investment, and health management organization, received the “Community Hero Award” on behalf of the company.
Aliu stated that staff at AXA Mansard PLC have been donating blood for over 15 years.
She emphasized that blood donation is safe for donors and benefits both health and life-saving efforts.
“Blood donation cleanses, helps the donor stay healthy, and saves lives. At AXA Mansard PLC, we donate blood twice a year. We have been doing this for 15 years,” she said.
Mr. Ayodeji Okewumi, Consultant and Chief Operating Officer of Discover Your Potential, an education development organization, received the “Beacon of Hope Award.”
Okewumi shared that his blood donation journey began 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 while someone else dies because of unavailability of blood.
“One challenge facing blood donation is a lack of proper education about its benefits. My dream is that one day, people will realize the importance of blood donation.
“It is fulfilling to save lives through blood donation. I donate with my wife, and I’ve inspired friends and mobilized people on blood donation,” he said.
Other voluntary donors were praised for their selfless service.
Dr. Adeniyi Adiat, a consultant in the Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion at LUTH and a regular voluntary donor, said blood donation reinvigorates the body.
Adiat explained that regular blood donation helps keep the bone marrow active and prevents low blood levels in old age.
He revealed he has been donating blood for over 29 years.
Ms. Faith Ehikuwario, a nurse in the Pediatric Unit at LUTH, said she is motivated by compassion for newborns in the pediatric unit who constantly require blood transfusions.
She explained, “It is fulfilling to save lives. Voluntary blood donation is my service to neonates who need my donation to survive.”
