Abuja: The President of the Nigerian Air Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA), Dr. Rakiya Abubakar, has hailed blood donors as quiet heroes who selflessly donate blood to save lives. She made this statement at the NAFOWA Lecture and Advocacy on Blood Donation, held in Abuja in commemoration of World Blood Donor Day 2025.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Abubakar emphasized the global unity under the theme ’20 Years of Giving: Thank You, Blood Donors!’ to honor those who donate blood to save lives. She highlighted the day as a reminder of the value of compassion and the collective duty to preserve life. “In NAFOWA, we believe that every effort to protect life is noble and blood donation, though silent and simple, is one of the most powerful gifts anyone can offer,” she remarked.
Dr. Abubakar further elaborated on the association’s commitment to raising awareness and encouraging more members of the NAF community to participate in blood donation. She underscored the military community’s understanding of sacrifice and the importance of having blood available before it is needed, a responsibility that she insists falls on everyone.
She also expressed gratitude towards medical experts and volunteers for their efforts in enlightenment and myth dispelling. Air Commodore Muzzammil Mohammed, Commander of 065 NAF Hospital Asokoro, addressed misconceptions about blood donation, reassuring that individuals with adequate cell volume need not fear weakness or illness from donating blood. He stressed the importance of meeting criteria such as optimal PCV and age before donating, and cautioned against frequent donations.
