President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has bestowed the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Microsoft co-founder and global philanthropist, Bill Gates.

 

The ceremony took place on Tuesday in Lagos as part of Gates’ visit to Nigeria, which focuses on strengthening health and development initiatives across the country. Africa’s richest man and founder of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, was also present at the event.

 

Gates, who serves as chairman of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is in Nigeria to engage with federal and state leaders on ways to enhance the nation’s primary healthcare system.

 

A statement from the Foundation noted that Gates will also attend the Goalkeepers Nigeria event, which highlights Africa’s innovation potential. Additionally, he is expected to meet with local scientists and partners contributing to Nigeria’s strategy on artificial intelligence and healthcare 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 statement read.

 

The Foundation emphasized that its expanding presence across the continent—with offices now in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal, alongside its original African base in Ethiopia—demonstrates its commitment to deepening partnerships throughout Africa.

 

Gates’ visit follows a major announcement by the Foundation on May 8, in which it pledged to invest $200 billion over the next 20 years in support of global health and development. This initiative aligns with Gates’ personal pledge to donate virtually all of his wealth to the Foundation’s work.