Partnership Formed by KB Club and Oba Elegushi Foundation to Advance Blood Donation Efforts

In a bid to address the critical issue of blood shortage in Nigeria, the KB Klub, a socio-philanthropic organization of medical students at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, has launched the second edition of its blood donation drive initiative.

The drive, named "Your Power to Gift Life 2.0", aims to raise 3,000 pints of blood, which will be distributed to general hospitals across six local government areas. The blood collected during the drive will be taken to the state's blood transfusion centres and designated hospitals for processing and screening.

Oba Saheed Elegushi of Ikate/Elegushi Kingdom emphasized the importance of blood donation, stating that it improves donors' well-being, makes them feel good, helps detox their bodies, and saves lives. He urged concerned authorities to increase sensitisation efforts on the need for blood donation.

KB Klub has partnered with the Nigerian Red Cross Society and regulatory bodies, including the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, for the drive. The blood donation drive is happening simultaneously in seven locations in Lagos, including Surulere, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Ikorodu General Hospital, UNILAG Indoor Sports Centre, Jara Mall, Ikeja, Tinubu Square, Lagos Island, and the KB Klub's location.

Dr Bodunrin Osikomaiya, Secretary of the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service, has been advocating for continued awareness on the need for voluntary blood donation. His team has been going to different communities to educate about voluntary blood donation, the need for blood, and the process of blood collection.

While some people are misinformed about blood donation, with some believing that they do not have enough blood in their system, Osikomaiya emphasized the need for more education to dispel these myths. He expressed gratitude to the KB Klub and its partners for the blood donation initiative and urged other foundations to emulate.

Yvonne Jegede, a Nigerian actress and producer, has expressed admiration for the selfless act of blood donation and emphasized the need for increased awareness about voluntary blood donation in Nigeria. The blood collected will be distributed to various hospitals, including Lagos State Accident and Emergency.

The Lagos State Government has made provisions for indigent individuals and those living with sickle cell disorder to access blood from the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee's blood banks without paying out-of-pocket. Each location aims to raise at least 500 pints of blood for this noble cause.

Partnership Formed by KB Club and Oba Elegushi Foundation to Advance Blood Donation Efforts