The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity), Zanas Deck, has stepped up its intervention in the health sector with blood donation exercise.

Zanas Deck, under the NAS Medical Mission, said the aim of the charity work was to discourage the sale of blood for emergency victims and boost the blood bank in Lagos.

The exercise, with the theme “20 years of celebrating giving: Thank you blood donors!”, was embarked upon on June 12 in commemoration of the World Blood Donor Day 2024.

Speaking at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos, the Capoon of Zanas Deck, Nnamdi Agulonu expressed the group’s concern about the dwindling availability of blood in public hospitals.

Mr. Agulonu explained that the Pyrates Confraternity heeded the intent to restore hope and save the lives of Nigerians in dire need of help.

“This is a biannual exercise designed to be held in June and October every year. The donation program is in fulfilment of one of the four compass points of NAS – For Humanistic ideals,” he said.

The Medical Director, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Dr Mustapha Alimi, commended the association for their empathy and kind gesture.

The MD, who was represented by Dr Oluwatosin Adeyemi, a Consultant Hematologist, reminded Nigerians on the need to donate blood for indigent citizens.

“Many people don’t know that one pint can save three lives. This gesture by the Pyrates Confraternity can not be taken for granted. With this number of donors, we are assured of saving more lives,” Adeyemi noted.

In her remarks, Dr Abimbola Musa, Medical Officer – Haematology, urged other public-spirited organisations to emulate NAS and contribute blood to the hospital.