Benin: The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Edo, in collaboration with the Florish Foundation for Women and Youths, spearheaded a significant voluntary blood donation exercise involving corps members in the state. The initiative, which took place at the Military Hospital in Benin City, was organized to commemorate World Blood Donor Day, with the aim of aiding sickle cell patients and bolstering emergency care services within the region.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, approximately 100 corps members participated in the blood donation event, alongside contributions from medical partners such as the National Blood Service Agency and Bright Path Development Hub. Dr. Frances Ben-Ushie, the Edo Coordinator of NYSC, highlighted the critical need to support those living with sickle cell disorder. Represented by Mrs. Funmilayo Oluwatoyin, the NYSC’s Assistant Director of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme, Ben-Ushie emphasized that access to safe blood is crucial for the survival of many individuals.
The coordinator praised the participating organizations, acknowledging their collaboration as a vital effort in saving lives. Brig.-Gen. Paulina Aburime, Commander of the Military Hospital, also lauded the corps members and organizers, underlining that heightened public awareness of blood donation can significantly impact life-saving efforts.
Omotayo Adesuyi, representing Ben-Ushie and acting as the founder of Florish Foundation for Women and Youths, underscored the life-saving potential of voluntary blood donation. She noted that each pint of blood has the power to save the life of a child with sickle cell disorder, a mother during childbirth, or an accident victim.
Dr. Ikejiofor Prudence, affiliated with the Military Hospital and the initiator of the blood donation concept, explained that the initiative arose from the urgent need for timely blood supply. Prudence highlighted the vital role of donors, stating that in emergencies where blood is scarce, donors become the true lifesavers.