International election: Buhari pledges support for Nigeria’s Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has declared strong support for the aspiration of Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, who is now on a three-person shortlist for the presidency of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).

Shinkafi-Bagudu is the wife of Kebbi State Governor, Abubakar Bagudu.

Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s media aide, in a statement, said the president made his feelings known in a letter to the candidate on Monday in Abuja.

The president pledged that the Federal Government, through the Ministries of Health and Foreign Affairs, would ensure her success in the forthcoming election of the union.

He congratulated the wife of the governor, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Medicaid Cancer Foundation, for being shortlisted as a candidate for UICC President-elect, describing it as well deserved.

‘‘I am proud of your passion and commitment in various capacities towards improving the cancer care landscape in Nigeria.

‘‘Of note are your activities as Founder of Medicaid Cancer Foundation and Chairperson of the Frist Ladies against Cancer Initiative (FLAC).

She is also a member of the National Cancer Control Steering Committee and Cancer Health Fund, Publication and Implementation of the Kebbi State Strategic Plan for Cancer Control.

”As a two term board member of the UICC. Most of all, I applaud your role in championing cancer awareness and advocacy.’’

Buhari highlighted that his administration, through the Federal Ministry of Health, had provided mechanisms to improve cancer care such as the Cancer Health Fund (CHF), and Chemotherapy Access Treatment Programme (CAP).

He disclosed that the Federal Government had also ensured the inclusion of cancer in the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) scheme.

‘‘I have also signed into law the bill on the creation of the Nigerian National Cancer Institute and remain committed to seeing it start off as a legacy of this administration.

‘‘This will further improve cancer research, and the quality of care available to Nigerians,’’ he said.

(NAN)