Precious Ajayi and Samuel Gada (Lead writers)
In moments of a health emergency, the availability of safe blood can be the difference between life and death. The continuous supply of this essential resource depends on the generosity of voluntary donors who give blood so that others may live. Each year on June 14, the global community celebrates World Blood Donor Day, to honour these selfless individuals, everyday heroes whose donations save lives. Their commitment is a powerful reminder that equitable healthcare begins with our shared responsibility to each other.
This year’s theme, “Give blood, give hope: together we save lives,” highlights how powerful and impactful each donation can be. A single act can mean the difference between life and death for patients in need, from accident victims to mothers during childbirth and those battling chronic illnesses.
Nigeria Health Watch partnered with the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA) to mark the occasion with a blood drive. We met some donors and learned what drives them to donate blood.
Their reasons were personal, heartfelt and inspiring, ranging from honouring a loved one to simply wanting to help.
Dr. Adaeze Oreh, 45, The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Rivers State
Once a donor “I first donated blood as a medical student at the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. That experience stayed with me.”
Although no longer eligible to donate due to a blood cancer diagnosis after graduation, Dr. Oreh has dedicated her career to strengthening Nigeria’s blood services through policy, awareness, and innovation.
“I now focus on raising awareness, recruiting voluntary donors, and supporting blood safety through tech and policy.”
She also works to dispel myths around blood donation. “The biggest misconception I’ve heard is that donating blood causes infertility or mental health issues. That’s simply false.”
Christopher Bassey, 31, Programme and Event Manager, Nigeria Health Watch
4-time Donor
“I started donating blood about 3 years ago to challenge the myth that people with tattoos can’t donate.”
Christopher’s motivation stems from the misconception that tattoos disqualify you from giving blood.
“Having tattoos doesn’t make you ineligible. I wanted to lead by example.”
He continues to donate regularly and encourages others to look beyond the myths and focus on the life-saving impact.
Ambassador Amina Misiware, 57, Cabin Crew | Match Commissioner, Nigerian Football Federation | Football Team Manager, Adala Football Academy | Leader, Unit One, Tri Metavas Community
39-time blood donor.
“If people are donating, me too! I can do it!”
Amina is a woman of many roles and even more heart. When she is not managing football teams, she is leading community projects that support children’s education and giving back most generously, through blood donation.
She first heard about donating blood from a radio show, and something clicked.
She thought: “Why not me too?” And just like that, a journey began.
Five years and 39 donations later, Amina has become a true champion of humanity.
Reverend Olayemi Peter, 50, Civil Servant at the National Blood Service agency.
73-time blood donor.
“If all Nigerians knew that what you give is not a loss, but a renewal, they would never stop”
He admitted to being scared his first time, but when his wife was about to give birth, he stepped up to donate at the National Hospital and never looked back. With 73 donations, he’s become a living legend in voluntary blood donation.
“Maybe when I get [to] 80 donations, I’ll throw in the towel,” he jokes — but only so the younger generation can pick up the baton. For Reverend Peter, blood donation is more than a medical act. It’s spiritual, healing, and a secret to long life.
Natan John, 43. Nigeria’s highest Blood Donor with 84 Donations in 20 Years
“Donating blood is giving a gift to someone who may never know you and can never pay you back.”
Natan John has quietly walked into blood banks across Nigeria and rolled up his sleeve. Not once. Not ten times. But 84 times, making him Nigeria’s highest blood donor.
“For 20 years, it’s been fulfilling,” he says. He believes blood donation is one of the purest forms of giving because it’s anonymous, selfless, and powerful beyond words.
He shares a fun fact: “One pint of blood can save three lives.” And when he donates? “I sleep like a baby and wake up stronger.”
Musa Yaya, 38, Sports Enthusiast
22-time donor.
“I just wanted to be around when the blood was needed, and that was the beginning.”
Musa started with a moment that hit close to home, a family friend was in a serious accident and urgently needed blood.
What made it even more critical? Musa has B-negative blood, one of the rarest blood types globally. Since then, he has donated 22 times and is not stopping anytime soon.
Oh, and here’s a fun fact he swears by: “Every time I donate, I sleep better, and I feel like I have burned calories too!”
Rose David, 57, Civil Servant
47-time donor
“You save lives, and it’s even good for your health. That’s why I do it.”
Her journey began with a personal health scare. Every month, she felt dizzy, and her heart pounded. When she finally checked, she was told her blood volume was too high.
She thought, “If I see someone in need — a pregnant woman, a child — I’ll give.”
And when a colleague pointed her to the proper centre, her lifelong mission began.
“I’ll keep donating blood till I’m too old to walk in,” she said with certainty.
David, 27, Banker
4-time Donor
“It’s actually fun, and it feels good to give something that doesn’t cost money but means everything.”
David, while still in university four years ago, walked into a donation drive. Now, he is on his fourth donation, and counting.
What he wants everyone to know: “The needle is not as painful as it looks.”
Ambassador Abimbola Adeoluwa, 31, Peace Advocate | Youth Mobiliser | Politician
Over 4 years of being a donor
“When I found out I was a universal donor, I knew I could not keep this to myself. I had to help others.”
Abimbola started donating after a personal health discovery.
“ And I also noticed that when I had too much blood, my body gave me signs I’d feel unusually tired or sleepy during the day. Once I started donating, I felt much better. My body felt lighter, my sleep improved, and I had more energy.”
Victor, 23, National Youth Corps Member
First-time donor
“I didn’t want to do it. I feared the needle. But my dad encouraged me, and here I am.”
Victor, before the morning he donated, didn’t want to go on with the donation because he fears needles, “but my dad encouraged me to go and said it’s something worth doing.”
And his first time? It turned out better than expected.
“It’s seamless. It’s not painful. There’s no stress, just get over it.”
From first timers to lifetime donors, from fear to fulfilment, these incredible individuals remind us that humanity flows through our veins. Through the generosity and courage of those who donate blood, we are reminded that every drop truly makes a difference; it’s a heartbeat shared, a future preserved, a mother saved, a child protected.
As we celebrate our blood donor heroes, the unforeseen champions of hope let this be your call: Become part of the story, join the many heroes who give blood and give hope, because together, we save lives.