Lagos Govt, VCDF, Backed by SEEPCO Record 550 Pints, Urge Sustained Blood Donation
By Adebayo Oladejo
In a bid to strengthen voluntary blood donation and raise awareness across Lagos State, VCare for Development Foundation (VCDF), in partnership with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS) and the Nigerian Red Cross, mobilised 550 pints of blood during a two-day campaign held recently.
Supported by Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), the drive saw 35 per cent of participants donating for the first time. Organisers described the turnout as a significant milestone in efforts to deepen public engagement in voluntary blood donation and reinforce the culture of lifesaving participation.
SEEPCO, through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, emphasised the critical importance of community-focused health interventions. The company noted that supporting VCDF’s annual blood donation drives since 2022 has been central to its strategy to strengthen health systems, enhance emergency care readiness, and save lives across its host communities.
A representative of SEEPCO stated, “Our commitment is to partner with organisations that deliver measurable public health impact. Blood donation is not only life-saving but also empowers communities to participate actively in health promotion.”
The 2026 figures continue a steady growth trend in VCDF’s annual blood drives, rising from 98 donors in 2022 to 147 in 2023, 268 in 2024, and 341 in 2025. The organisation’s cumulative total now stands at 1,404 donors—a performance that previously earned VCDF the Blood Donation Champion Award from LSBTS. Organisers noted that SEEPCO’s volunteers were pivotal in mobilising donors and providing logistics support.
Programme coordinators attributed the rising participation to sustained awareness campaigns, community engagement activities, and targeted responses to myths and religious concerns surrounding blood donation. Behaviour change communication strategies were highlighted as key in reshaping public perception and encouraging informed, safe participation.
Donors shared personal experiences of the drive. Vivian, a repeat donor, said, “Although I had myths that discouraged me from donating earlier, these were corrected by awareness, confidence, and voluntary participation.” Noah noted, “I donated because my wife benefited from blood during childbirth. The guidance provided ensured safe donation.” Ismail, a first-time donor, described the process as fulfilling, praising the proper guidance and attentive care he received.
Beyond blood donation, SEEPCO has collaborated with VCDF and partner health organisations for over four years to deliver medical outreach programmes across its operational communities. These initiatives provide free consultations, medications, and basic laboratory tests addressing common health conditions across multiple local government areas.
Health stakeholders emphasised that Nigeria requires between 1.8 and 2 million units of blood annually but currently meets only 25 to 30 per cent of national demand. The shortfall continues to affect emergency care, maternal health, and treatment for sickle cell patients, where timely access to blood remains critical.
Organisers noted that the 2026 drive demonstrates the impact of sustained collaboration among government agencies, private-sector partners, and civil society organisations in building a reliable pool of voluntary blood donors and improving community health outcomes.
SEEPCO reaffirmed its dedication to leveraging its resources and network to advance positive public-health outcomes, describing the initiative as part of a broader commitment to sustainable, socially responsible business practices.
VCDF reaffirmed its commitment to expanding public-health interventions through continued partnership support aimed at promoting a healthier Nigeria.