President Bola Tinubu has conferred the prestigious national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates.
The ceremony took place on Tuesday in Lagos, during Gates’ ongoing visit to Nigeria to discuss critical health and development initiatives. Photographs from the event capture President Tinubu presenting the medal to Gates, with Africa’s richest man and Dangote Group founder, Aliko Dangote, also in attendance.
As Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gates is meeting with federal and state officials to explore ways to strengthen Nigeria’s primary healthcare system.
A statement from the Gates Foundation highlighted that Gates will participate in the Goalkeepers Nigeria event, which focuses on Africa’s innovation future. He will also engage with local scientists and partners working on Nigeria’s national strategies for artificial intelligence and health solutions.
“From Addis Ababa, Gates will travel to Nigeria, where he will meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and engage with federal and state leaders to discuss Nigeria’s primary healthcare reforms,” the Foundation said.
The Foundation further emphasized its commitment to Africa through the establishment of offices in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal, building on its first African office in Ethiopia over a decade ago.
Gates’ visit follows a landmark announcement by the Foundation on May 8, pledging $200 billion over the next 20 years to advance global health and development. This pledge is part of Gates’ personal commitment to donate virtually all of his wealth to the Foundation’s work.
