Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, Senior Adviser at Federal Ministry of Health Nigeria, shared on LinkedIn:
“As Nigeria celebrates its Independence Day today, 1 October (Nigeria 66), I reflect on the significance of our unity fabric, which we proudly wore at the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) World Cancer Congress 2026 in Hong Kong.
Many were intrigued by the fabric and our ‘andco’ concept.
What does it mean? Why?
To me, the unity fabric represents our national identity, beauty and shared commitment to put Nigeria first.
Like Nigeria, our 50 man delegation was strong, diverse and beautiful! Cancer survivors, government officials, First Ladies, researchers and scientists.
We shone! Thanks to people like Professor Dr. Folakemi Odedina, Health Permanent Secretary, Kachollom Daju, Dr. Uchechukwu Emmanuel Nwokwu, H.E. Fatima Dikko, Dr. Usman Aliyu, Gloria Orji, Dr. Tolulope Adewole, so many others.
As we wear our uniform colours at social and official events, we must carry that same spirit of unity into our daily lives, rise above divisions and put our national interest first.
Happy Independence Day, Nigeria! May our unity remain our strength and our shared commitment continue to drive our nation’s progress.”
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