Nigeria's blood crisis has reached alarming levels. Tangerine Insurance is fighting back with a donation campaign.
The country currently faces a 73 percent blood supply shortage, leaving hospitals dangerously understocked. Only about 500,000 pints are collected annually against a need for 1.8 to 2.2 million units.
Tangerine Life Insurance and Total Health Trust held their annual blood drive at the University of Lagos on Friday. The event aimed to boost voluntary donations and educate the public about the shortage.
Kehinde Borishade, the insurance firm's managing director, shared a deeply personal story at the event. Two years ago, he lost his son to leukemia despite donating his own bone marrow stem cells.
"I understand the importance of blood donation," Borishade told attendees. "It means everything to families facing medical challenges."
He emphasized that every Nigerian deserves access to quality healthcare and safe blood supplies. An accident can happen anywhere, he noted, and anyone might suddenly need blood.
Borishade confirmed the initiative won't stop in Lagos. Tangerine plans to expand the campaign to other regions across the country.
"We've partnered with Lagos State Ministry of Health," he explained. "We want to meet all health requirements for this programme."
Students, professionals, and members of the public turned out to donate. The University of Lagos venue drew significant participation from potential donors.
Joy Gonji heads commercial operations at Total Health Trust. She described the event as both practical donation work and crucial awareness-raising.
"People need to understand why blood donation matters," Gonji told reporters. "This isn't just about today — it's about building a culture of giving year-round."
Total Health Trust has run this drive successfully for five years. Gonji expressed pride in their continued partnership on the initiative.
"We're committed to giving back to society," she said. "This drive ranks among our most important annual efforts."
Organisers deliberately chose the University of Lagos for strategic reasons. Young students represent future leaders across all professions, they argued.
"When we educate students about blood donation, they carry that message forward," Gonji explained. "They become advocates in their future careers and communities."
Without voluntary donations, many Nigerians resort to risky alternatives. Patients and families turn to paid or replacement donors due to hospital shortages.
According to the World Health Organization, Nigeria's situation remains critical. Safe blood supplies depend heavily on voluntary, unpaid donors.
Borishade urged every Nigerian to participate in the programme. He called for both blood donations and broader support for the initiative.
Tangerine's campaign reflects growing private sector involvement in public health. Insurance companies are stepping in where government resources fall short.
The partnership between Tangerine, Total Health Trust, and Lagos State shows what collaboration can achieve. Together, they're working to save lives across Nigeria.
