Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu

Deeply saddened by the passing of Alex Ekubo, a son, longstanding partner of Medicaid Cancer Foundation @medicaidcf , and a committed cancer advocate. For over a decade, Alex was deeply involved in cancer advocacy, consistently showing up for patients, families and mobilizing his fan base. He joined our hospital visits, paid for treatments out of pocket, and always made himself available whenever needed. I kept in touch with him over the last 2 years on special occasions, but missed his presence. In one of our last conversations, he promised me a part two to Ifunaya. I still wonder if he kept that promise. Alex was truly a lone star, a class of his own, and we shall sorely miss. Whenever there were challenges around #WalkAwayCancer, Alex was always my go-to person. He would say, “Mummy, leave them, we will walk,” and he always did. He loved his mother deeply, and my thoughts and prayers are with his entire family, friends, and associates during this difficult time. Alex is gone — another life cut short by cancer. We will continue to fight this monster. Rest in peace, #alexekubo.

The executives of my alma mater, the Queens College Lagos Old Girls’ Association @qcoga , recently paid me a courtesy visit. Led by the President of the Abuja Chapter and Haj Mairo MT Usman, and Mrs. Goulda Obi- I was presented with an award in recognition of my contributions to healthcare and appointment as Senior Adviser to the Coordinating Minister of Health. We discussed the longstanding relationship and mutual support between the association and @medicaidcf , especially in providing access to health checks for members. It was encouraging to hear positive feedback about our services, including testimonies from old girls who have successfully battled cancer. We also appreciated the association for its continued support and presence at our #walkawaycancer event each year. As an alumna, I value the opportunity to reconnect and reflect on the importance of women’s leadership, mentorship, and supporting the next generation. I remain committed to supporting my sisters through screening discounts and whenever called upon. #alumni #impact #womeninleadership #Queens @mairo.usman

Today on #WOCD, here’s a little-known fact about ovarian cancer: only about 22% of cases are diagnosed early, even though early-stage survival is over 90%. #ReachForTheStars #WOCD2026 #OvarianCancerAwareness

With great pride and a deep sense of fulfillment, I attended the official kick-off of the City Cancer Challenge (@ccan_org ) Abuja project, an innovative intervention aimed at strengthening cancer care. The Abuja programme will implement nine priority cancer care projects focused on service delivery and patient-centred care. It is being driven in partnership with C/Can and founding partners in Abuja: @medicaidcf , @chai_globalhealth , @projectpinkblue , and @roche , alongside the @fmoh_nigeria , @nicratgov , @uicc_official , @_nccpnigeria coordinators, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations, and patient advocates. The project also shared progress from other C/Can cities, including Rwanda, which has expanded the model nationally, and ongoing efforts in Ghana. In Abuja, a full needs assessment has been completed, with partners aligned on sustainability as implementation begins. The growing cancer burden calls for stronger coordination and partnerships that translate plans into practical improvements in care and outcomes. Behind every project is a strong team of advocates. Honored to have been part of this team and will continue working to ensure success. Congratulations to all!! @chrisinspire , Dr. Olufunke Fasawe, Dr. Uchechukwu Emmanuel Nwokwu, Sophie Bussmann-Kemdjo.

Vaccines are among the most effective tools for preventing disease. Yet, vaccine hesitancy is a huge barrier to combating many diseases. Yesterday, I joined other members of the CHIC Advisory Committee for an important discussion on the work plan over the next grant period. In Nigeria, the introduction of the HPV vaccine by the @nphcda , with support from Gavi and other partners, has reached over 15 million girls, with coverage still expanding. This is a key step in cervical cancer prevention, driven by coordinated stakeholder action. #VaccinesWork #HPVVaccine #Gavi #CancerPrevention #Immunization

#quoteoftheday #uicc #nuggets #cancer #quotes

As women advance in age, their health remains a priority issue. Thus, we must continue to advocate and support the complex, physical, emotional, and social health challenges that are too often overlooked or addressed too late. In cognizance of this, @ccasnigeria and @tarihaanintegratedservices came together to organize the Retire and Thrive Bootcamp for Women, themed “Navigating Retirement with Confidence and Clarity.” I was pleased to contribute to the conversation on health and wellbeing, with focus on menopause, emotional wellbeing, and the preventive care for cancer. As more women live longer and continue to contribute actively to society beyond traditional working years, we must expand the conversation around retirement. Access to health information, preventive services, mental wellbeing, and informed healthcare decisions are equally important to quality of life. I commend my sisters at CCAS and Tarihaan Integrated Services for the successful organization of this important initiative and for creating a space that encouraged honest conversations around many issues affecting women in this stage. As a champion for women’s health, I will keep supporting such platforms that place women’s health and wellbeing at the forefront. #womenhealth #retirementbootcamp

Ovarian cancer continues to present major challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and long-term outcomes across many health systems. Strengthening research, clinical capacity, and patient-centred care remains essential to improving outcomes for women globally. #ovariancancerawareness #learningtuesdaywithdrzsb #worldovariancancercoalition #nowomanleftbehind #reachforthestars

#quoteoftheday #quotes #worldovariancancerday #nowomanleftbehind

It was a pleasure to receive Professor @lydiaaziato , Vice Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), and in all aspects, a highly accomplished woman. Her position as the first nurse in Ghana to attain a professorship, and then also, as the first female Vice Chancellor of UHAS is indicative of how women excel when given the opportunity. Our conversation focused on one critical truth: the rising cancer burden in Africa cannot be addressed without deliberate and sustained investment in the oncology nursing workforce. Through our work at @medicaidcf , in partnership with City Cancer Challenge (@ccan_org ) Nigeria, we support structured initiatives that strengthen oncology nursing leadership and service delivery across Africa. In this regard, one of our long-standing nurses at Medicaid, Nurse Kallamu, was sponsored through the Oncology Nurse Leadership Programme (ONLEP), implemented in partnership with the UHAS, the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (@isncc_2025 ), and Amgen. This programme is designed to strengthen oncology nursing leadership and clinical competencies through a blended learning model, equipping nurses with skills in leadership, psycho-oncology, research, and quality improvement. Within the broader C/Can network, cities such as Kumasi (Ghana) and Rwanda are also engaged in this structured capacity-building and training programmes. It was admirable and kind of Prof Lydia to check on her mentee Kallamu to assess the impact of his new training in his interphase with cancer patients. Progress in cancer control will depend on how seriously we invest in people, in systems, and in partnerships that outlast individual projects. #oncologynurse #capacitybuilding #oncology #cancer

The celebration marking the 60th birthday and Installation ceremony of HE. @olufunsoamosun took was all to Ile IFE in recognition of a woman whose presence and contributions have remained consistent over the years. At 60, she continues to carry herself with grace, elegance, and strength in a way many would hardly believe. Her conferment with the title of YEYE MOREMI OODUA of Ife was the highlight of it all and it reflects the respect and regard she continues to command across different spaces. Congratulations once again my sister, on this double celebration. May the years ahead bring continued peace, good health, and fulfilment. #OlufunsoAmosun #YeyeMoremiOodua #WomenOfImpact #Leadership

#quoteoftheday #uicc #nuggets #cancer #quotes