President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, conferred the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic on American billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates, in Lagos.
This was confirmed in a post on X (formerly Twitter) by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to a statement from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gates is in Nigeria this week to meet with Tinubu and discuss initiatives to strengthen the country’s primary healthcare system.
Tinubu, in a social media post on Tuesday revealed that he honoured Bill Gates for his long-standing efforts in global health, polio eradication, education, innovation, and agriculture,especially in Nigeria and Africa.
He wrote, “Today, I conferred the Nigerian National Honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Mr Bill Gates #BillGates in recognition of his decades-long commitment to improving lives through interventions in global health & polio eradication, education, digital innovation, and agricultural development, especially in Nigeria and across Africa.
“Bill Gates’ contributions have saved millions through the Gates Foundation @gatesfoundation and many such initiatives, uplifted communities, and inspired global action.”
The president also disclosed they discussed collaboration on health systems, innovation, and youth development.
“We also had meaningful conversations on deepening our collaboration in health systems, innovation, and youth development, reaffirming our shared belief that real progress begins when we invest in people.
“Nigeria remains open to ideas, partnerships, and actions that move humanity forward.”
In a video later shared on X by the Special Adviser to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, Tinubu was seen expressing gratitude to Gates, as he hailed him for his unwavering commitment to humanity.
He described Gates’ gesture as remarkable and an inspiration to leaders worldwide, including himself.
“It is a day to share happiness and respect acknowledged to one of the greatest human beings that the world has brought.
“Alll I need to say is thank you, Bill Gates, for your indivisible commitment to humanity.
“it is highly remarkable, it is an inspiration to leadership across the world including the one standing before you.
“I thank you very much. That is all. It is a great thing to honour you.”
