Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates has become the latest national honour holder in Nigeria as President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, conferred on him the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) honour.
The conferment took place in Lagos as part of Gates’ ongoing visit to Nigeria to discuss key health and development initiatives.
The event had was witnessed by Africa’s richest man, Alimosho Dangote.
It was gatheeed that Gates, who is the chair of the Gates Foundation, is visiting Nigeria to have strategic discussions with federal and state leaders on strengthening the country’s primary healthcare system.
According to a statement from the Gates Foundation, Gates will also participate in a Goalkeepers Nigeria event focused on Africa’s innovation future and hold talks with local scientists and partners contributing to Nigeria’s national strategy on 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 health care reforms,” the statement read.
The Foundation added that the opening of offices in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal, alongside its first African office in Ethiopia over a decade ago, reflects its commitment to deepening partnerships across the continent.
Gates’ visit follows a major announcement by the Gates Foundation on May 8, pledging to invest $200 billion over the next 20 years to advance global health and development—part of Gates’ personal commitment to donate “virtually all of his wealth” to the Foundation.
