18/06/2026
Blood Donation is a Civic Responsibility – Dr. Oshiomole
The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomole, has called on traditional and community leaders, faith-based and corporate organisations, the media, among others, to join in the promotion of regular blood donation, submitting that blood donation is a civic responsibility which should be cultivated.
Dr. Oshiomole made the call at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Health in Benin City, during a press conference as part of activities marking the year 2026 World Blood Donor Day with the theme, “One Drop of Humanity, Give Blood, Save Lives”.
The Commissioner expressed delight at addressing blood donors, and raising awareness on the importance of safe blood donation, stating that it is an act of selfless service to humanity. In his words, “Every day, hospitals require blood to support emergency, care, surgical procedures, maternal health services, cancer treatment, and the management of chronic illnesses. The availability of safe blood is therefore a critical component of a functional healthcare system.”
Dr. Oshiomole reiterated the commitment of the Edo State Government to strengthening blood transfusion services across the State to guarantee adequate and safe blood supply. He however guided that blood safety remains a top priority, cautioning that every unit of donated blood must undergo rigorous laboratory screening before transfusion. He assured that the Ministry will continue to support the adoption of quality-testing, including Antigen ELISA testing, which is for the detection of transfusion-transmissible infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B, Syphilis, among others.
The Commissioner gave the simple message to be, “One blood donation can save up to three lives”, “Safe blood depends on voluntary blood donors”, and “Blood cannot be manufactured; it can only come from donors”. “Together, through voluntary blood donation and quality-assured blood screening using Ag-Based ELISA methods, we can build a safer, healthier, and more resilient healthcare system for the people of Edo State. Together, let us make blood donation a culture, not just an event. Together, let us save lives,” he concluded.
In a welcome address, the Director of Medical Laboratory Services Department of the Ministry, Mr. Odior Joshua, appreciated various stakeholders for supporting in the commemoration of the World Blood Donor Day. He stated that the Day is set aside to appreciate the immense contributions of voluntary, non-renumerated blood donors and to create awareness on collaborative strategies on how to boost voluntary, non-renumerated, safe blood donations, and safe blood transfusion.
Mr. Odior restated that it is the part of the core mandate of the Ministry to support the implementation of Health policies in the State to ensure the safety of residents especially against infectious and non-communicable diseases. He stated that other activities included collaboration with the National Blood Service Agency, and visits to selected health facilities to solicit for their supports in strengthening local blood banking to ensure universal access to safe transfusion, as well as their reliance on high-quality testing technique, which is ELISA Anti-body based on its reliability.
The Press Conference was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Paul Eighemwenrio; the Director of Family Health, Dr. David Odiko; the Director of Public Health, Dr. Stephenson Ojiefo; the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Mrs. Ativie Afeh; the Director of DPRS, Mrs. Lauretta Iruobe; the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Edward Aisowieren; the Director of Nursing Services, Mr. Aliu Nurudeen, represented by Mrs. Felicia Omokaro; among others.
Erharuyi A. Joe
Public Relations Officer,
Ministry of Health
Photo Caption
Front row: The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomole (5th right); the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Paul Eighemwenrio (6th right); the Director of Family Health, Dr. David Odiko (6th left); the Director of Medical Laboratory Services, Mr. Odior Joshua (4th right); the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Edward Aisowieren (3rd right); among others.