Tinubu confers top Nigeria’s National Honour on Bill Gates

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honoured American billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates, with one of Nigeria’s highest national distinctions, the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).

The honour, which acknowledges Gates’ decades-long commitment to global health, education, and poverty reduction, also highlights his foundation’s longstanding partnerships with Nigeria. The tech icon, who arrived in Abuja alongside Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, visited the Aso Rock Villa where the recognition was formally conferred.

News360 Nigeria had earlier reported that Gates was scheduled to visit Nigeria for talks with President Tinubu and other senior officials to review efforts aimed at strengthening the nation’s primary healthcare sector.

According to a statement from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gates is also participating in the Goalkeepers Nigeria event, a platform designed to showcase Africa’s achievements and potential in areas like health innovation and technology development.

His visit comes shortly after he pledged a staggering $200 billion through the Gates Foundation over the next 20 years to bolster global health and development initiatives, with a significant portion directed towards Africa.

Gates is expected to meet with scientists and development partners working on artificial intelligence applications and health solutions aimed at transforming lives across the continent.