Bill Gates Honoured with Nigeria’s National Award
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday night conferred one of Nigeria’s highest national honours, the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), on billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates.
The ceremony took place in Lagos during Gates’ visit to Nigeria as part of a broader African tour focused on public health and development. President Tinubu praised Gates for his longstanding contributions to Nigeria’s health and education sectors, primarily through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
“Bill Gates has demonstrated a consistent and heartfelt commitment to improving the lives of millions of Nigerians through investments in healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation,” Tinubu said while presenting the honour. “This award is a recognition of those efforts and our nation’s gratitude.”
The CFR is one of the top five national honours awarded by the Federal Republic of Nigeria, typically reserved for individuals who have rendered outstanding service to the nation.
Gates expressed his appreciation for the award, stating that his foundation’s mission aligns with Nigeria’s goals of reducing child mortality, combating infectious diseases, and empowering youth through education and innovation.
“We are honoured to work alongside Nigerian leaders and communities in tackling some of the biggest challenges of our time,” Gates said. “This recognition strengthens our resolve to do even more.”
Since 2000, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has committed billions of dollars to initiatives in Nigeria, including efforts to eradicate polio, fight malaria, and improve maternal and child health. In recent years, the foundation has also supported programs in agriculture, financial inclusion, and digital innovation across several Nigerian states.
Gates’ visit included meetings with government officials, health experts, and local NGOs, highlighting the foundation’s ongoing partnerships with both public and private institutions in Nigeria.
The award adds to Gates’ growing list of international recognitions for his philanthropic work, reinforcing his influence as a global advocate for equitable access to health, education, and economic opportunity.Bill Gates Honoured with Nigeria’s National Award.