President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Microsoft co-founder and global philanthropist, Bill Gates, recognising his exceptional contributions to health, agriculture, and humanitarian efforts in Nigeria and across the world.
Speaking during the award ceremony held in Lagos on Tuesday, President Tinubu praised Gates as an inspirational figure whose unwavering commitment to uplifting the poor continues to serve as a model for global leadership.
“All I need to say is thank you, Bill Gates, for your indivisible commitment to humanity. It is highly remarkable. It is an inspiration to leaders across the world, including the one standing before you,” the President said.
President Tinubu also acknowledged Gates’ influence in improving maternal health, tackling infectious diseases, and supporting agricultural development through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The Minister of Health and Social Development, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, described the honour as well-deserved, highlighting Gates' long-standing partnership with Nigeria in various developmental sectors. Pate noted that the Gates Foundation, often working alongside business mogul Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has invested over $2 billion in Nigeria, focusing on healthcare, agriculture, and the digital economy.
He particularly commended Gates’ pivotal role in the eradication of polio in Northern Nigeria, a feat achieved through collaboration with traditional leaders and extensive grassroots mobilisation.
In his acceptance remarks, Bill Gates expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s health sector.
“I am very happy to receive the honour for myself and the incredible team at the Foundation. From the beginning, the Foundation's goal was to support improving Nigeria's health sector,” Gates said.
He highlighted key milestones, including a decline in child mortality rates and the recent rollout of HPV vaccines aimed at preventing cervical cancer. Gates noted that Nigeria had outperformed many countries in delivering the vaccine to young girls aged 9 to 14.
Looking ahead, Gates revealed the Foundation’s ambitious goals, including eradicating malaria in Nigeria within the next 20 years and expanding efforts to reduce malnutrition.
“I plan to invest my entire wealth into this cause over the next two decades,” he added, assuring President Tinubu of his continued partnership in improving health outcomes across the country.
Also present at the event were Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs Hon. Zephaniah Jisalo, top executives of the Gates Foundation, and Dr. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
