By Anietie Akpan
The Cross River State Government and the Calabar Centre, South South Zone of the National Blood Service Agency(NBSA) and others have declared their resolve to boost blood donation.
This commitment was made on Monday as they joined Lions Club International, DNKI , Nig Red Cross Society and other organizations, to mark World Blood Donor Day in a grand ceremony themed, “Give Blood, Give Hope, Together We Save Lives.”
This was contained in a release from Nursing Cross River State.
Representing the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Nursing, Mr. Coco-Bassey Esu, highlighted the importance of blood donation, describing it as a “selfless act that saves countless lives.”
He emphasized the state government’s commitment to supporting the National Blood Bank centre and establishing it as a regional hub for blood testing to ensure a steady supply of safe blood for hospitals in the state.
The Provost of the College of Health Technology, Dr. Ikpeme Ita, who donated the Medical Centre for the Blood Donation exercise , pledged the institution’s commitment to promoting blood donation.
“By donating blood, we can save lives and make a meaningful difference in our community,” he said.
The State Director of NBSA, Dr. Bassey Okon Bassey, expressed gratitude to the state government and partners for their support and urged everyone to continue donating blood.
“Let’s give blood and keep the world beating,” he said, emphasizing the impact of blood donation in saving lives.
He equally expressed his appreciation of immense encouragement and support from the National Headquarters of NBSA, headed by the Director General, Prof Sale Yuguda, in making the 2025 World Blood Donor Day celebration by the Calabar Centre a great success.
The partnership between the Cross River State Government and the NBSA demonstrates the power of community spirit and collaboration in promoting blood donation and ensuring a steady supply of safe blood for hospitals in the state. By working together, they aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.
