Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu Awards National Honour to Bill Gates

 

The president of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu has officially conferred the prestigious national honour of the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and renowned philanthropist. The ceremony took place on Tuesday in Lagos, amid Gates’ ongoing visit to Nigeria aimed at advancing key health and development initiatives.

Photos from the event depict President Tinubu awarding the honour to Gates, with Nigeria’s influential businessman Aliko Dangote, founder of the Dangote Group and Africa’s richest man, also present.

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Gates’s visit to Nigeria focuses on strengthening the country’s primary healthcare system through collaboration with government officials at both federal and state levels. The Gates Foundation’s statement highlights plans for Gates to participate in the Goalkeepers Nigeria event, which emphasizes Africa’s innovative future and features discussions with local scientists and partners working on artificial intelligence and health solutions for Nigeria.

Additionally, Gates is scheduled to meet with President Tinubu to discuss ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s healthcare system. His broader regional efforts include opening offices across Africa—including in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal—complementing its first African office in Ethiopia established over a decade ago, demonstrating the Foundation’s commitment to deepening partnerships on the continent.

This visit follows the Gates Foundation’s recent announcement on May 8 of a $200 billion investment over the next two decades, aimed at advancing global health and development. The Foundation’s pledge aligns with Gates’s personal commitment to donate nearly all of his wealth to supporting these causes.