President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, a distinguished paediatrician and former First Lady of Kebbi State, on her election as President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu made history on October 8 as the first African and the fifth woman to lead the global cancer control organization.

In a statement, President Tinubu emphasized the significance of her election, calling it a testament to Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu’s competence and character. He also praised her for highlighting the talents and capabilities that abound in Nigeria. Describing her new role as a landmark achievement, Tinubu noted that her ascension reflects Nigeria’s growing influence in global health leadership.

President Tinubu commended Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu’s previous contributions, including her service to Kebbi State and the nation. As Chairperson of the First Ladies Cancer Initiative, she was instrumental in establishing the Kebbi State Strategic Plan for Cancer Control. Additionally, she founded the Medicaid Cancer Foundation and currently serves as a Senior Advisor to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare and Vice Chair of Nigeria’s National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination.

Nigeria’s efforts in cancer control have been noteworthy, with 12 million girls vaccinated against Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a major cause of cervical cancer, thanks to the Federal Ministry of Health and international partnerships. The administration has also committed N37.4 billion to its Oncology Initiative, aimed at establishing six cancer centres in teaching hospitals across the country within two years, located in Benin, Zaria, Katsina, Enugu, Jos, and Lagos.

President Tinubu expressed confidence in Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu’s ability to leverage her new leadership position to further improve global cancer control efforts. The Geneva-based UICC, founded in 1933, has over 1,100 member organisations in more than 170 countries and territories.