Professor Saleh Yuguda, Director-General of the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA), has been honoured by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) with the WINSEC Award for Excellence in Public Health Leadership in recognition of his outstanding contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s blood transfusion system and advancing public health.
The prestigious award was presented during the Women in Security Summit and Awards (WINSEC) 2026, held on August 5, 2026, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
According to the citation, Professor Yuguda was recognised for his visionary leadership in repositioning the National Blood Service Agency through strategic reforms, promoting voluntary non-remunerated blood donation, strengthening blood safety standards, and expanding equitable access to safe blood across Nigeria.
The organisers also commended his commitment to institutional excellence, healthcare innovation, and strategic partnerships that have enhanced emergency medical response, maternal healthcare, and national blood security, making the Agency a critical pillar in Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system.
The high-profile event attracted an array of distinguished personalities, including the Governors of Kano, Yobe, Borno and Jigawa States; the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; the First Ladies of Borno, Bauchi and Jigawa States; a former Inspector-General of Police; senior military and security officials; captains of industry; and other prominent stakeholders from across the country.
Speaking after receiving the award, Professor Yuguda expressed profound appreciation to the leadership of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) for the recognition, describing the honour as a tribute to the collective dedication of the management and staff of the National Blood Service Agency, as well as its numerous partners.
He reaffirmed the Agency’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the availability of safe, quality, and sufficient blood for all Nigerians through strengthened voluntary blood donation programmes, enhanced public awareness, and sustained collaboration with stakeholders in support of improved healthcare outcomes and the preservation of lives nationwide.