President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, a highly respected paediatrician and former First Lady of Kebbi State, on her historic election as President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). In his statement, President Tinubu emphasized the significance of her election as the first African and fifth woman to lead the globally recognized cancer control organization. This milestone, achieved on October 8, not only reflects Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu’s exceptional competence but also serves as a testament to the wealth of talent in Nigeria.
Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu’s rise in global health leadership is seen by the President as a reflection of Nigeria’s expanding influence on the international stage. Her commendable efforts in public health, particularly her contributions to cancer awareness and control, have already left an indelible mark on the country. As the founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, she has championed efforts to fight cancer across Nigeria, while also serving as a Senior Advisor to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, and Vice Chair of the National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination.
President Tinubu recalled her pivotal role as Chairperson of the First Ladies Cancer Initiative, where she helped spearhead the Kebbi State Strategic Plan for Cancer Control. He acknowledged the significant achievements under her leadership, including the vaccination of 12 million Nigerian girls against Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a major cause of cervical cancer.
The administration’s dedication to cancer control is further underscored by the allocation of N37.4 billion to the Federal Ministry of Health’s Oncology Initiative, which will establish six new cancer centers across the nation in the next two years. These centers will be located in teaching hospitals in Benin, Zaria, Katsina, Enugu, Jos, and Lagos.
President Tinubu expressed his confidence in Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu’s ability to use her new platform to strengthen cancer control efforts globally and continue advancing health initiatives in Nigeria. The UICC, headquartered in Geneva, was founded in 1933 and includes over 1100 member organizations from more than 170 countries.
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