The Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital/Kaduna State University, in collaboration with the National Blood Service Agency (Northwest Zone, Kaduna Branch), organized a special program to mark the 2025 World Blood Donor Day. The event, held on Monday, June 16, 2025, at the Academic Block of Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, was themed “Give Blood, Give Hope. Together We Save Lives,” aligning with the global theme “Blood Connects Us All.”
In her welcome address, the Head of the Department of Haematology, Dr. Ijeoma P. Ijei- Enesi warmly received the distinguished guests and participants. She emphasized the importance of blood donation not only as a life-saving act but also for the health benefits it offers to donors.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Kaduna State University, Prof. Abdullahi Ibrahim Musa, described blood donation as a vital and noble act, particularly for patients in critical need. He encouraged the public to cultivate a culture of regular blood donation and assured the Department of the University’s commitment to providing the necessary equipment and support for effective service delivery.
Representing the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Habiba Zubairu, the Deputy Chairman Medical Advisory Committee (DCMAC), Clinicals and Head of the Department of Family Medicine commended the department for organizing such a timely and impactful event. She highlighted the critical importance of blood donation and praised the initiative for its relevance.
Delivering the keynote address, the Acting Zonal Director of the National Blood Service Agency (Northwest Zone), Dr. Peter Maiyaki, revealed that Kaduna State ranks second in maternal mortality, largely due to blood shortages. He commended regular donors—especially those who donate every three months—noting that it benefits both the donors and the recipients. He reminded attendees that blood has a limited shelf life and urged more people to become regular donors.
In his goodwill message, the Imam of the Ahmadiyya Foundation, Naseem Ahmad, described blood donation as both a moral and religious duty, stating that “to save one life is to save humanity.” He stressed that without blood, life is impossible.
Also delivering goodwill messages were Prof. Ibrahim Abdu-Aguye, Head of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, who encouraged public engagement in blood donation, describing it as a noble act that should be promoted across communities; and Dr. Hassana Yakasai, President-elect of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Kaduna Chapter, also commended the initiative.
An interactive session followed, allowing participants to ask questions and engage in discussions on blood donation, including myths, facts, and procedures.
In his closing remarks, former Head of the Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Prof. Livingstone G. Dogara, expressed profound gratitude to all who participated and contributed to the success of the program.