In a bid to enhance access to safe and quality blood services across the South-West, the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA), South-West Zonal Centre, led by its Zonal Director, Dr. Oladapo Aworanti, has embarked on high-level courtesy visits to key institutions in the region, reaffirming its commitment to collaboration and public health advancement.
The visits—targeting the Department of State Services (DSS), the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Headquarters, and the Central Medical Diagnostic Centre (CMDC)—form part of NBSA’s strategic engagement with stakeholders across government, faith-based, and healthcare sectors.
At the Oyo State Command of the DSS, Dr. Aworanti appealed for institutional support to address recent security concerns and promote voluntary blood donation among security personnel. He emphasized the life-saving importance of regular donations and the role of national security agencies in championing humanitarian causes.
Responding, DSS State Director, Mr. Abdulrasheed Adelakun, commended the agency’s work and pledged full cooperation. Recalling his own experience as a donor, he promised to facilitate a blood donation awareness program for DSS officers, adding that the agency remains open to supporting initiatives that align with public safety and health.
The visit was capped with the presentation of a commemorative plaque by the DSS to honor the NBSA team.
RCCG Opens Doors to Blood Donation Collaboration
At the RCCG Headquarters, the NBSA delegation was welcomed by church leaders, including Pastor Odutolu and Dr. Gbenga Durojaiye, the Chief Medical Director. The team toured several critical health facilities operated by the church, including the Redeemer’s AIDS Initiative (RAPAC), Health Center, Public Health Department, and Redeemer’s Health Village.
Addressing long-held myths and misconceptions about blood donation, Dr. Aworanti urged the church to integrate blood drives into its extensive humanitarian work. Pastor Odutolu and Dr. Durojaiye expressed strong enthusiasm for collaboration, announcing plans to host a blood donation sensitization seminar ahead of the forthcoming RCCG Convention, which draws thousands of worshippers annually.
CMDC Partners with NBSA on Quality Blood Screening
In a similarly impactful visit, Dr. Aworanti congratulated Mr. Idowu Akinbola on his new role as Head of the Central Medical Diagnostic Centre (CMDC) in Oyo State. Their discussions centered on quality assurance, staff training, and enhancing blood screening infrastructure. Mr. Akinbola reiterated the CMDC’s readiness to work with NBSA, highlighting the need for investment in modern diagnostic tools and centralized screening coordination—core components of the Oyo State government’s healthcare reform agenda.
Advancing a Shared Public Health Vision
These engagements underscore NBSA’s unwavering drive to build an expansive, reliable blood donation and distribution network through synergy with vital institutions. Speaking after the visits, Dr. Aworanti said, “Blood saves lives. But saving lives takes partnerships. With support from the DSS, RCCG, and CMDC, we are creating sustainable pathways for safe and sufficient blood across the South-West.”
The initiative reflects NBSA’s broader vision of ensuring that every Nigerian in need of blood gets timely and safe access—while nurturing a culture of voluntary donation and public health accountability.
