Optimus Bank has organised a blood drive in Lagos to support critical healthcare needs and help close Nigeria’s blood supply gap.
The initiative, held under the bank’s corporate social responsibility platform, Impact Starts With Us, was themed “GIVE BLOOD. GIVE LIFE.” It mobilised employees, stakeholders and members of the community to donate blood.
In a statement on Sunday, the bank said the drive reflects its belief that responsibility goes beyond financial services, noting that healthy and resilient communities are vital to a thriving economy.
Timely access to safe blood is crucial for medical emergencies in Nigeria, including women experiencing bleeding during childbirth, accident victims, children with severe anaemia, people living with sickle cell disorder, cancer patients and those undergoing surgery.
According to the World Health Organisation, Nigeria needs an estimated 1.8 million to two million units of blood annually, but only 371,827 units were collected in 2024. Postpartum haemorrhage accounts for about 23 to 30 per cent of maternal deaths in the country, highlighting the need for a safe and available blood supply.
The bank said the drive aims to support immediate collection and encourage a culture of regular voluntary donation.
Commenting on the exercise, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Optimus Bank, Dr Ademola Odeyemi, said the bank is committed to using its platform to create meaningful impact in communities beyond banking, stressing that economic strength is tied to people’s wellbeing.
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