President Bola Tinubu has extended heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu following her election as President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). This landmark achievement positions her as the first African and the fifth woman to assume leadership of this vital global organization, marking a significant milestone for Nigeria.

Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu, a pediatrician and former First Lady of Kebbi State, secured her presidency on October 8. In a statement from his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised her exceptional competence and character, underscoring the importance of her election for Nigeria’s rising prominence in global health leadership.

The President reflected on Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu’s invaluable contributions to Kebbi State and the nation, expressing gratitude for her work as the Chairperson of the First Ladies Cancer Initiative. He acknowledged her efforts in creating the Kebbi State Strategic Plan for Cancer Control during her tenure as First Lady.

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Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu has made significant strides in cancer awareness and treatment, founding the Medicaid Cancer Foundation. Currently, she serves as a Senior Advisor to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare and holds the position of Vice Chair of Nigeria’s National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination.

Notably, through collaborative efforts with the Federal Ministry of Health and international partners, Nigeria has successfully vaccinated 12 million girls against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a primary contributor to cervical cancer.

President Tinubu expressed confidence that Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu will utilize her new position to advance cancer control initiatives and enhance global health outcomes. The UICC, established in Geneva in 1933, consists of over 1,100 member organizations across more than 170 countries and territories.