President Bola Tinubu has bestowed Nigeria’s highest national honour, the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), on American billionaire and philanthropist Bill Gates.
Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, disclosed this via a statement posted on his social media platforms on Tuesday night.
The honour was presented to the 69-year-old Gates during a ceremony held in Lagos. The award recognises his global humanitarian work, particularly through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which has made substantial contributions to health, education, and development in Nigeria and across Africa.
Gates, who co-founded Microsoft and is widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost philanthropists, received the honour at a State House event attended by senior government officials and other dignitaries.
The CFR is among Nigeria’s most prestigious national honours, typically reserved for individuals who have rendered outstanding service to the nation. During his visit, Gates met with Tinubu to explore ways of strengthening Nigeria’s primary healthcare system and held engagements with both federal and state leaders.
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In a statement, the Gates Foundation revealed that Gates would also take part in a Goalkeepers Nigeria event focused on Africa’s innovation future. He is also expected to meet with local scientists and partners involved in shaping Nigeria’s national artificial intelligence strategy and scaling up health innovations.
Gates arrived in Nigeria following a visit to Ethiopia, where he met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and learned how the country is maintaining momentum on critical reforms, expanding essential services, and showing resilience amid evolving global aid dynamics.
His trip comes shortly after the foundation’s landmark announcement on 8 May to invest $200 billion over the next two decades in initiatives aimed at saving and improving lives. Gates also reaffirmed his commitment to donating ‘virtually all of his wealth’ to the foundation within that period.
