President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu on her election as President of the Union for International Cancer Control.
Mrs Shinkafi-Bagudu, a paediatrician and former First Lady of Kebbi State, was elected on October 8.
She emerged as the first African and fifth woman to lead the global cancer control the Geneva based organisation.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday, Mr Tinubu described her election as a significant achievement, praising her competence and character.
He noted that her victory highlights Nigeria’s growing influence in global health leadership and serves as a testament to the wealth of talent within the country.
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.
