Former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, has launched a national blood donation campaign across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a message shared on his social media handles in celebration of his 53rd birthday, the Chancellor of the Athena Center for Policy and Leadership, said his decision to use this milestone as an opportunity to address the acute blood shortage crisis in Nigeria stemmed from personal reflections and recent tragic events.
Chidoka recounted his initial plans for a fitness walk and a casual gathering to mark his birthday, but the sudden death of his close friend, Ferdinand Agu, on June 7 led him to a period of deep reflection.
He said Agu’s passing, coupled with the recent collapse of a school building in Jos that killed 22 children and injured over 130, highlighted the urgent need for blood donations in emergency situations, adding that the Plateau State government’s appeal for blood donations due to the blood bank’s shortage highlighted the severity of the crisis.
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“As I struggled to come to terms with Ferdinand’s passing, a few days ago, I came across the frantic call of the Plateau State government appealing for blood donation following the collapse of a school building in Jos.
“The Tragic event reportedly killed 22 children and left over 130 injured. The plea from the government was due to the perennial blood shortage at the blood bank and the urgent need to save the children’s lives.
“During my time as the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, I witnessed the devastating consequences of blood shortages in emergency situations.
“I decided to become a blood donor and have periodically donated blood since then, but I was unaware of the magnitude of the national crisis of acute blood shortages,” he said.
He also revealed statistics from the National Blood Service Commission, indicating that Nigeria requires approximately 1.8 million units of blood annually, but only about 500,000 units are collected each year.
“This shortfall results in countless needless deaths in hospitals across the country.
“Please join me in celebrating my life by giving a Gift of Life to someone who may be in dire need of a transfusion by donating blood today,” he added.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammed Ali Pate, responded to Chidoka’s initiative on X, praising him and calling for nationwide support for blood donation.
He wrote: “Thank you my friend and brother, Dr. Osita Chidoka, for the prompt on his birthday today for which I pray many blessings and peace upon him.
“In memory of the many Nigerians who passed while waiting for a blood transfusion, I urge you to take a moment to support blood donation. Your contribution can save lives and ensure no one has to wait in vain,” Pate wrote.
Pate reiterated the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s commitment to improving blood services across Nigeria through the National Blood Service Commission.
“Together, we can make a difference and save lives. Donate blood, save lives.”
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