Optimus Bank has initiated a blood drive in Lagos as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts to support critical healthcare needs in Nigeria. The initiative, themed "Give Blood. Give Life," aims to mobilize employees, stakeholders, and community members to contribute to addressing the country's blood supply gap. This drive reflects the bank's commitment to creating a positive impact beyond its financial services.
In Nigeria, timely access to safe blood is crucial for medical emergencies, including postpartum haemorrhage, accidents, and surgeries. The World Health Organisation estimates that Nigeria needs 1.8 to 2 million units of blood annually, but only 371,827 units were collected in 2024. Optimus Bank's initiative seeks to support immediate collection while promoting a culture of regular voluntary donation.
Postpartum haemorrhage accounts for approximately 23 to 30 percent of maternal deaths in Nigeria, highlighting the importance of a safe and available blood supply. The bank's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ademola Odeyemi, emphasized that Optimus Bank's responsibility extends beyond banking and that a thriving economy relies on healthy, resilient communities.
The blood drive was conducted with technical support from the Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). The Head of the department, Professor Titilope Adeyemo, stressed the significance of voluntary blood donation. The initiative is part of Optimus Bank's broader commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and sustainable community impact.
Optimus Bank's corporate social responsibility platform, Impact Starts With Us, focuses on improving lives and strengthening communities through initiatives across healthcare, education, empowerment, and environmental sustainability. The bank's Head of Corporate Communications, Morolake Philip-Ladipo, noted that the initiative is about people and the possibility of helping those in urgent need of medical care.
Through the "Give Blood. Give Life" initiative, Optimus Bank aims to encourage Nigerians to give something that can give another person a second chance at life. The bank believes that impact does not always require grand actions, but sometimes begins with simple decisions, such as the decision to give blood.
The blood drive forms part of Optimus Bank's efforts to create meaningful value for people, communities, and the future. By supporting initiatives like this, the bank demonstrates its commitment to using its platform to make a positive difference in the communities it serves.
Key points
- Optimus Bank launches blood drive to address Nigeria's blood supply gap.
- The initiative aims to support critical healthcare needs, including maternal and emergency care.
- The bank's corporate social responsibility platform focuses on improving lives and strengthening communities.
