By Adewale Sanyaolu
In commemoration of the 2025 World Blood Donors Day, The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Pyrates Confraternity, Zanas Deck, has expressed concern over the dwindling availability of blood in public hospitals.
The Capoon of the association, Zanas Deck, Yaba, Lagos, Mr Nnaemeka Ezeokwelume, stated this during its bi- annual blood donation exercise at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi (NOHIL), Yaba, Lagos, Friday.
According to him, the blood donation drive, which is in commemoration of the 2025 World Blood Donors Day, remains a vital act of solidarity and compassion that saves millions of lives annually.
The medical outreach, themed “Give Blood, Give Hope: Together We Save Lives,” was aimed at fostering a culture of care, empathy, and civic responsibility while addressing the urgent need for safe blood in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Ezeokwelume lamented that the paucity remained a critical shortcoming that spurred the group’s on-going collaboration with the Haematology and Pathology Department at NOHIL.
“This initiative under the NAS Medical Mission is not just charity; it’s a commitment to maintaining a steady and safe blood supply, particularly during emergencies, when regular supply chains may be disrupted.
“Through this effort, we hope to boost the capacity of the blood bank in Lagos and support life-saving treatments for patients with conditions such as anaemia, cancer, and blood disorders,” he said.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to continuing the bi-annual blood donation drive, supporting both medical and surgical procedures and reinforcing its long-standing mission of humanitarian service.
In his remarks, the Consultant Haematologist at NOHIL, Dr Oluwatosin Adeyemi, lauded members of the Pyrates Confraternity for their consistency and dedication.