The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Festac Town, wanted to contribute to their host community. They took part in its annual All Africa Service Projects.
They carried out various CSR Activities in the Amuwo community. Part of these activities included a blood donation drive and a cleaning exercise. The church is located at the 21 Road axis of Festac Town, Amuwo-Odofin.
It got commendations from many for their initiatives of saving lives. They were also praised for promoting a clean environment. The blood donation drive had over 100 donors. It was done in collaboration with the Mother and Child maternity center, Amuwo-Odofin.
The Chief Medical Lab Scientist Mrs. Omowunmi Oluwatosin Oloti, lauded the church’s efforts, saying, “I must commend this church for their yearly blood donation exercise. One pint of blood can save up to 10 lives. Their actions help alleviate the shortage of blood in hospitals.”
Mrs. Oloti emphasized the importance of blood donation, encouraging Nigerians to donate at least three times a year. “Donating blood reduces blood pressure, makes you look younger, and gives you a longer life,” she said.
Chief Medical Lab Scientist at Mother and Child Hospital, Omowunmi Oluwatosin, emphasized the life-saving impact of such donations.
“When people donate blood, they save lives,” she stated. Oluwatosin noted that the church’s yearly involvement in blood donation has become a crucial lifeline for the hospital. This is especially true during periods when blood supplies run low. “At times, we run out of blood. When they call us to come, they are saving lives,” she said, underscoring the significance of these contributions.
The blood donation exercise was meticulously organized to guarantee safety and effectiveness.
Oluwatosin detailed the rigorous screening process that each donor underwent. This process includes blood pressure checks, weight measurements, and the assessment of packed cell volume (PCV). The PCV must be at least 39 per cent for a safe donation. “After these preliminary tests, donors are further screened for viral markers including hepatitis. They are also screened for syphilis and HIV. This guarantees the safety of the donated blood.”
One of the blood donors, Tokoni Egbunu, expressed delight in participating. He urged the public to make regular donations to boost blood banks in hospitals.
Asides from donating blood and saving lives, the church also carried out a community cleaning exercise. Members cleared and packed debris. The clean-up exercise was supported by the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), which provided waste evacuation services.
Also, the Lagos State Waste Management Agency, LAWMA, partnered with the church by providing a truck and nylons. They lauded the All Africa Service Projects.
Speaking at the Latter Day Saints Festac Stake branch, LAWMA official Mr. Faluru Adebowale Samuel said, “Today’s exercise, aside from keeping the environment clean, promotes sustainable living. We are happy to support this kind of project in whatever capacity. For instance, LAWMA provided trucks to pack the debris and nylons for recyclable materials.”
Mr. Samuel called on other organizations and ministries to emulate the Church’s example. He said, “We encourage others to follow in their footsteps and take ownership of their environment.”
Festac Lagos Stake President Ugochukwu Nwuneli explained that the project is based on the church’s teaching. The teaching is that “service to man is service to God.” He added, “We have partnered with LAWMA and Mother and Child Maternity Centre. Our aim is to advocate for a clean environment. We also want to support those in need of blood.”
Bishop Godwin Egbon of the FESTAC ward praised stakeholders for their involvement. Donor Caonih Egbunu expressed happiness in donating blood for the good of humanity.
The Church also conducted a community cleanup within the area. Church members actively participated. There was collaboration with local government agencies.
Adebowale Samuel, from LAWMA’s Advocacy Department, commended the church’s initiative. He noted that the agency is always eager to support activities that promote environmental cleanliness. “For all MDAs, NGOs, organizations, churches that embark on clean-ups like this, we are always eager to support them. As you see, we make arrangements for trash bags. Then our trucks come and help them evacuate the waste.”