The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force (South-South) Operation DELTA SAFE, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to supporting healthcare initiatives and humanitarian activities aimed at improving the well-being of Nigerians.
A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Umar Adam acting deputy director army public relations,6 division Nigerian army said the GOC who was represented by the Deputy Director Chaplaincy (RC), Headquarters 6 Division Nigerian Army Colonel AJ Sambo stated this on Friday 19 June 2026, during the closing ceremony of the 2026 World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) celebration organised by the Armed Forces Blood Centre (AFBC) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Speaking during the event the GOC, noted that World Blood Donor Day serves as a platform to raise awareness on the critical need for safe blood and blood products while recognising the invaluable contributions of voluntary blood donors. He described blood donation as one of the noblest humanitarian acts, stressing that every unit of blood donated has the potential to save multiple lives.
The GOC further stated that the Nigerian Army, through institutions such as the Armed Forces Blood Centre (AFBC) and its medical facilities across the country, remains committed to supporting healthcare delivery and emergency medical response. Therefore, he commended the leadership and staff of the AFBC for their dedication to ensuring the availability of safe blood and sustaining campaigns aimed at promoting voluntary blood donation.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Acting Director, Armed Forces Blood Centre, Major AJ Adankala, paid tribute to voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors, whom he described as selfless individuals and “angels in human flesh” whose generosity continues to save lives and improve the well-being of humanity. He noted that the 2026 campaign theme, “One Drop of Humanity: Give Blood, Save Lives,” highlights the importance of solidarity, compassion and collective responsibility in blood donation.
Major Adankala stated that despite advances in science, testing and blood safety systems, the availability of safe blood and blood products still depends on individuals who donate voluntarily and regularly. Therefore, he called on government agencies, corporate organisations, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to strengthen support for voluntary blood donation initiatives and national blood programmes to guarantee universal access to safe blood and blood products.
The event ended with renewed calls for increased voluntary blood donation and collective action towards building a sustainable blood supply system capable of meeting the healthcare needs of the nation, as participants reaffirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives that promote the availability of safe blood for all Nigerians. The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of souvenirs and certificates to the invited guests and voluntary blood donors followed by group photograph.
