President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has awarded Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and one of the world’s most influential philanthropists, with the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) for his outstanding contributions to healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation in Nigeria and across Africa.
The honour, one of Nigeria’s highest national awards, was presented during Gates’ visit to the country, where he held meetings with top government officials, including President Tinubu, to discuss new partnerships and ongoing support for Nigeria’s primary healthcare reform and development initiatives.
Bill Gates, 69, is the co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which has been actively supporting programs in Nigeria for nearly two decades. The Foundation’s work includes polio eradication, maternal and child health, malaria prevention, agriculture, and digital financial inclusion. The recognition by Nigeria is a reflection of the long-term impact his philanthropy has had on millions of lives across the country.
Speaking at the event where he received the CFR medal, Gates said his involvement in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, stems from a deep sense of moral duty and a belief that the continent holds immense human potential. He described his ongoing commitment as both a moral responsibility and a strategic investment in the future of Africa.
According to him, “Africa’s future is bright. Its young population, innovative spirit, and growing use of technology make it a place of great promise. My engagement here is not just about giving back — it is about building a healthier, smarter, and more prosperous world for everyone.”
During his visit, Gates is also scheduled to participate in the Goalkeepers Nigeria event, a local extension of the global Goalkeepers initiative run by his foundation. The programme showcases progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlights grassroots innovation across sectors.
In addition, Gates is engaging with scientists, health workers, tech developers, and policy makers on how to accelerate the use of AI and digital technologies to solve health challenges in remote and underserved areas of Nigeria.
President Tinubu, while presenting the award, commended Gates for his long-standing partnership with Nigeria. He described him as a “true friend of Nigeria” who has shown sincere commitment to improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians without expecting anything in return.
“Your impact in Nigeria has gone beyond donations. You have helped shape policy, encouraged local innovation, and inspired a generation of young people. This honour is a small way for Nigeria to say thank you,” Tinubu said.
Gates’ foundation has so far committed $100 billion globally to health and development projects and plans to channel an additional $200 billion toward the African continent over the next few decades, subject to global market performance and inflation trends.
Health experts in Nigeria have praised Gates’ support, especially in the fight against polio, where Nigeria was officially declared polio-free in 2020 — a milestone achieved through the joint efforts of the Gates Foundation, the World Health Organization (WHO), and local health authorities.
Nigerians have taken to social media to express appreciation for Gates’ consistent support for the country, with many describing the CFR award as “well-deserved.”
