Tinubu confers top Nigeria’s national honour on Bill Gates

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred one of Nigeria’s highest national honours, the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), on American billionaire and Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates.

The recognition comes in appreciation of Gates’ unwavering commitment to global health, education, and poverty alleviation—particularly through the impactful work of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation across Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

The tech magnate, who arrived in Abuja in the company of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, was received at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, where the prestigious award was formally presented by President Tinubu.

For years, Gates has partnered with Nigerian institutions to tackle major challenges including polio eradication, maternal and child health, and agricultural development.

Platinumpost had earlier reported that Gates was scheduled to visit Nigeria for talks with President Tinubu and other senior officials to review efforts aimed at strengthening the nation’s primary healthcare sector.

According to a statement from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gates is also participating in the Goalkeepers Nigeria event, a platform designed to showcase Africa’s achievements and potential in areas like health innovation and technology development.

His visit comes shortly after he pledged a staggering $200 billion through the Gates Foundation over the next 20 years to bolster global health and development initiatives, with a significant portion directed towards Africa.

Gates is expected to meet with scientists and development partners working on artificial intelligence applications and health solutions aimed at transforming lives across the continent.