By Elizabeth Osayande

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Nigeria, has been commended for its annual All Africa Service Projects, which include a blood donation drive and cleaning exercise. The initiative has been praised for saving lives and promoting a clean environment.

Chief Medical Lab Scientist at the Mother and Child Maternity Centre, Amuwo Odofin, 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, and 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.

Also, the Lagos State Waste Management Agency, LAWMA, who partnered with the church by providing a truck and nylons, lauded the All Africa Service Projects.

Speaking at the Latter Day Saints Festac Stake branch, where members cleared and packed debris, 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, saying, “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 that “service to man is service to God.” He added, “We have partnered with LAWMA and Mother and Child Maternity Centre to advocate for a clean environment and support those in need of blood.”

Bishop Godwin Egbon of the FESTAC ward praised stakeholders for their involvement, while donor Caonih Egbunu expressed happiness in donating blood for the benefit of humanity.