President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, a paediatrician and former First Lady of Kebbi State, on her election as President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).
Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu’s election, which took place on October 8, marks a historic milestone as she becomes the first African and the fifth woman to lead the global organisation dedicated to cancer control.
President Tinubu, in a statement issued by by Bayo Onanuga-Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) highlighted the significance of Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu’s election, calling it a landmark achievement that underscores her competence, dedication, and leadership in public health.
He noted that her new position reflects not only her personal accomplishments but also the depth of talent within Nigeria, further enhancing the country’s growing influence in global health governance.
He said, “President Tinubu recalls Dr Shinkafi-Bagudu’s invaluable services to Kebbi State and the country, for which Nigeria is deeply grateful. He lauds her stewardship as Chairperson of the First Ladies Cancer Initiative and her contributions to establishing the Kebbi State Strategic Plan for Cancer Control during her tenure as the First Lady of Kebbi State.
“Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu founded the Medicaid Cancer Foundation. She is also a Senior Advisor to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare and Vice Chair of Nigeria’s National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination.
“Through the Federal Ministry of Health and international partnerships, Nigeria has successfully vaccinated 12 million girls against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a leading cause of cervical cancer.”
The President expressed confidence in Shinkafi-Bagudu’s ability to leverage her new role to improve cancer control and global health.
The Union for International Cancer Control, based in Geneva, was founded in 1933 and boasts over 1,100 member organisations in more than 170 countries and territories.
Written by Jennifer Amarachi
