By Emmanuel Awari – Jalingo
The importance of blood donation in saving lives across communities nationwide has once again been brought to the forefront.
To mark his 28th birthday, Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC) Israel Rimamchika Yabkwa organised a nationwide blood drive, mobilising over 20 blood donors and volunteers across Nigeria.
The initiative, which took place in Lagos, Abuja, Jos, and Jalingo, sought to address the urgent need for safe blood in hospitals. Each pint donated, organisers said, has the potential to save up to three lives, creating a tangible impact in the communities served.
Explaining the motivation behind the project, Yabkwa said:
“Instead of throwing a party, I decided to celebrate by sharing the most priceless gift, the gift of life. We mobilised donors nationwide, and each one made a tangible difference. The importance of this cannot be overstated; one pint of blood can save up to three lives, meaning every donor is a hero in someone’s story.”
He added that his inspiration came from the understanding that blood cannot be manufactured, only freely given.
“Birthdays are often about receiving, but I wanted mine to be about giving. As Dr. Mike Murdock says, ‘What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you.’ Knowing that my special day could directly help save lives made it the most meaningful way to celebrate.”
On challenges, Yabkwa noted that the exercise faced some hurdles, including myths and misconceptions about blood donation, low public awareness, logistical issues, and donor anxiety.
One significant setback occurred in one state where a government hospital demanded a humongous payment for voluntary blood donation.
“We had to change the venue just one hour before the event, and that affected turnout there,” he explained.
Response and Impact
Despite the challenges, Yabkwa described the public response as “encouraging.”
“Many people, once they understood the impact, showed great enthusiasm to participate. Some even committed to becoming regular donors. Across the four cities, we saw genuine excitement and willingness to help, which was inspiring.”
He stressed that blood donation is a simple act with extraordinary impact.
“You don’t have to be wealthy or powerful to save lives, you just need a healthy body and a willing heart. Today, it might be a stranger who benefits from your donation, but tomorrow, it could be someone you love, or even you.”
In a touching show of generosity, popular comedian Josh2Funny paid the bill for a blood transfusion for a woman whose newborn urgently needed blood, a reminder of the life-saving importance of timely assistance and blood availability.
Yabkwa expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who participated:
“Your generosity and compassion inspire me deeply. Together, we are saving lives, one pint at a time.”
The blood drive has been widely commended as an example of celebrating personal milestones through service and social impact.
Donation Centres for the drive include:
Lagos: Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH)
Abuja: National Hospital
Jos: Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH)
Jalingo: UMCN Hospital, Mile Six