President Bola Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates.
The conferment ceremony occurred on Tuesday in Lagos during Gates’ visit to Nigeria, focused on advancing health and development initiatives.
Images from the event captured President Tinubu presenting the medal of honour to Gates, with Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, also in attendance.
Gates, who chairs the Gates Foundation, is in Nigeria to engage with federal and state leaders on strengthening the country’s primary healthcare system.
According to a statement from the Gates Foundation, Gates will also attend a Goalkeepers Nigeria event centered on Africa’s innovation future. Additionally, he is set to hold discussions with local scientists and partners contributing to Nigeria’s national strategies on artificial intelligence and health 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 health care reforms,” the statement revealed.
The Foundation further highlighted the opening of offices in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal, which aligns with its longstanding commitment to deepening partnerships across Africa.
Gates’ visit comes after a significant pledge by the Gates Foundation on May 8, announcing an investment of $200 billion over the next 20 years to advance global health and development. This initiative aligns with Gates’ personal commitment to donate “virtually all of his wealth” to the Foundation.