Kebbi State‘s former first lady, Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, has been elected as the new president of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).
Naija News reports that Shinkafi-Bagudu, a paediatrician consultant, made history by becoming the first African to hold this position following a virtual election conducted during the UICC General Assembly on Tuesday, October 8.
Her election was confirmed in a statement released by the UICC.
The statement also revealed the election of a new board of directors consisting of 14 members.
In response to her election, Shinkafi-Bagudu expressed appreciation for the electoral process and committed to being a collaborative leader, drawing on the experiences, insights, and energies of her colleagues to guide the union in the coming years.
She is set to serve as UICC president from 2024 to 2026.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Shinkafi-Bagudu on her latest achievement.
In a statement on Wednesday through his Special Adviser, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu highlighted the historic importance of her election as the first African and fifth woman to lead the global cancer control organization.
He 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.
“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,” the statement added.
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