National Blood Service Agency, South-West Zonal Centre, Ibadan

NBSA Announces 2025 National Blood Donor Day -8th December ,2025

This year’s celebration will be held under the Theme: “From Headlines to Lifelines: Media Advocacy for Voluntary Blood Donation,” with the campaign slogan, “Your Story Could Save a Life.”
The theme underscores the pivotal role of the media in shaping public perception, enhancing awareness, and promoting a culture of voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation across Nigeria.

According to the Agency, the 2025 commemoration will feature public awareness and sensitisation campaigns, as well as blood donation drives across multiple sites nationwide.

As part of creating awareness and also to celebrate National Blood Donor Day 2025, Today 6th of December ,NBSA Ibadan Zonal Centre in partnership with Red Gold project team hosted a book launch titled “RED GOLD”-A human narrative of the impact of blood shortage in Nigeria.

We had some distinguish panel of experts and practitioners speak on the Topic: Reimagining The Culture of Blood Donation in Nigeria.

The NBSA emphasized that voluntary blood donors remain the backbone of safe transfusion services, noting that increased media advocacy is crucial to addressing Nigeria’s persistent gap in blood availability.

NBSA Ibadan Zonal Centre Joins Continental Campaign for Red Saturday
African Countries Unite to Promote Voluntary Blood Donation on 29 November 2025

The National Blood Service Agency, Ibadan Zonal Centre has joined other African nations in the continental campaign known as Red Saturday, scheduled for 29 November 2025. The initiative is aimed at promoting voluntary blood donation and strengthening Africa’s blood supply systems.

Red Saturday is a coordinated effort across the continent to raise awareness about the urgent need for safe, voluntary blood donation. The campaign, themed “One day.One continent. One purpose,” brings together governments, health institutions, and citizens with a shared commitment to saving lives.

Red Saturday is not just another blood drive but a powerful symbol of African solidarity and collective responsibility. The Agency highlighted that voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation remains the safest and most reliable source of blood for patients while reiterating that blood is needed every day — for surgeries, childbirth complications, medical conditions such as anaemia and cancer, and unforeseen emergencies. The Agency stressed that new and regular donors are essential to maintaining a sufficient national blood supply.

“When Africa stands together, lives are saved, hope is restored, and our continent grows stronger,” the Agency stated.

NBSA is calling Nigerians to turn out in large numbers today, 29 November 2025, to donate blood and support the lifesaving campaign.

Together, we are Red Saturday.

Need a reason to donate blood?

The reason is giving someone another chance at life.
Give blood, Give hope!

GREAT INDEPENDENCE HALL heed the call!
Pictorial collage from the successful blood donation drive at UI in collaboration with The BloodDrive Network - TBDN Haima Health Initiative to give sickle cell warriors access to life saving blood transfusion

Join us on the 8th of November at Idia hall,UI at 8:30am to save lives by donating that precious gift of life BLOOD

BLOOD FACTS…..continuation on (Frequently asked questions)

WHO CAN RECIEVE MY BLOOD?
A patient can receive blood that has the same ABO antigens as theirs, plus O. Rh+ can receive Rh+ or Rh-, while Rh- must receive Rh- blood.

WHAT ARE THE MAJOR BLOOD TYPES ?
Your blood type is determined by the antigens it contains. There are two major types of blood antigens: ABO and Rh, which combine to create blood types: O+. O-, A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+ & AB-

See picture below for blood types and recipients👇

BLOOD FACTS(Frequently asked questions)…..continuation…..

IS DONATING BLOOD SAFE?

Absolutely. Blood donation conditions are sanitary, and needles are sterile and disposable.

WHAT SHOULD I DO TO PREPARE FOR DONATING?
Eat a well-balanced meal, free of fatty or fried foods. A diet that regularly includes iron-rich foods will help promote red cell regeneration, increasing your chances of having an adequate hemoglobin level for blood donation.

HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER DONATING? What activities can I do after my donation?

Most donors feel fine after donating. Remember to eat a healthy meal afterwards and drink plenty of fluids. You can continue your normal routine, but avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for 12 hours.

To be continued…..

It’s blood drive O’clock

NBSA in collaboration with The BloodDrive Network will be at University of Ibadan Halls of Residence for a Sickle cell awareness Blood donation drive on the 1st, 8th and 15th of November ,2025.

Give sickle cell warriors access to lifesaving blood transfusions through your donations.

BLOOD FACTS……continuation

Below are the frequently asked questions on blood donation.

WHO CAN GIVE BLOOD?
Almost anyone who is healthy and at least 18years old, and weighs at least 50kg.

HOW MUCH BLOOD IS DRAWN? Is it safe for my body to lose that much blood?

One pint. The average person has 10-12 pints, so the small loss is easily afforded. The fluid (plasma) is replaced within 24 hours. The red cells take about five weeks. A female can donate every 4 month and a male can donate every 3 month.

WHO NEEDS BLOOD TRANSFUSION?

A wide variety of patients receive blood transfusions. The various components of donated blood are used to treat different conditions. For example, red blood cells are transfused to patients who have lost blood due to trauma or surgery, and to treat anemia (including sickle cell anemia). Cancer patients need platelet transfusions to replace the healthy cells that are destroyed during chemotherapy and radiation. Burn victims often need plasma transfusions to treat them for shock.

To be continued…..

Blood donation is not just about giving blood, it’s about giving hope. In a world that often feels divided , blood donation unites us in our shared humanity.

The Staff of Coca-Cola ,Asejire made a “DIFFERENCE” today by donating the precious gift of life- BLOOD!

You too can make a difference!!