The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has described Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu’s emergence as President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) as a historic milestone for Nigeria and Africa.
The NCS President, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, said this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, congratulating Shinkafi-Bagudu on assuming office for the 2026–2028 term.
Omonisi said Shinkafi-Bagudu’s emergence as the first African and Nigerian to lead the international organisation dedicated to advancing cancer control offered an opportunity to strengthen Africa’s representation in global cancer advocacy.
“Her leadership at the international level offers an important opportunity to strengthen the representation of Africa’s cancer priorities and amplify the voices of patients and survivors.
“It will also build the capacity of cancer organisations and advance equitable access to quality cancer care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries,” he said.
He said the achievement was a source of national pride and a call for renewed action to improve cancer control and care across Nigeria and the African continent.
According to him, Shinkafi-Bagudu’s emergence reflected years of dedicated service, strategic leadership and advocacy for improved cancer care, including efforts to expand access to essential services.
“As a paediatrician and founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, she has championed cancer awareness, patient support and improved access to care,” he said.
Omonisi said her contributions to cancer control in Nigeria included advocating for stronger cancer policies, mobilising resources and supporting initiatives aimed at addressing gaps in cancer services nationwide.
He said the NCS remained committed to collaborating with national, regional and international partners to reduce the cancer burden through advocacy, public education, research, capacity building and improved access to quality care.
The NCS president said Shinkafi-Bagudu’s presidency offered an opportunity to deepen global partnerships, strengthen cancer advocacy across Africa and promote greater equity in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and supportive care.
He expressed confidence that her tenure would strengthen global solidarity and accelerate progress towards ensuring that geographical location and financial circumstances did not determine access to quality cancer care.
Omonisi congratulated Shinkafi-Bagudu, expressing hope that her leadership would advance efforts to ensure that no one was left behind in cancer prevention, treatment and care.
The UICC is an international organisation dedicated to advancing cancer control globally.
