It was a full global gathering of members of the Union for International Cancer Control – (UICC), organisation from across the world-over, for the body’s general assembly, which saw Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, elected as its president for the 2024-2026 term.
The same meeting also produced a 14-member board of directors for the organisation.
Zainab was elected during the UICC general assembly held virtually on October 8, 2024.
Shinkafi-Bagudu, a Nigerian and ex-first lady of Kebbi state, is the first African to be elected to the position.
A consultant pediatrician and founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation. She is a member of the Nigerian Cancer Society and the American Society for Clinical Oncology.
While expressing her appreciation for the election, she assured that she would be an interactive leader “who will lean on your experiences, insights and energies to guide the UICC in the years to come”.
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Shinkafi-Bagudu. He said her election is of historic significance as the “first African and fifth woman to lead the global cancer control organisation”.
Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on Wednesday via a statement; president Tinubu hailed her competence and character, affirming “the enormous talents that abound in Nigeria”.
The president described Shinkafi-Bagudu’s rise as “a landmark achievement and a testament to Nigeria’s growing influence in global health leadership”.
“President Tinubu recalls Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu’s invaluable services to Kebbi state and the country, for which Nigeria is deeply grateful,” the statement reads.
“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.
“President Tinubu expresses confidence in Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu’s ability to use her new office and leadership to improve cancer control and global health.
“The Geneva-based UICC was founded in 1933 and has more than 1100 member organisations in over 170 countries and territories around the world.”
