President Bola Tinubu has honoured American billionaire and Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates, with one of Nigeria’s highest national awards — the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR). The award was presented during Gates’ visit to Lagos on Tuesday.
The recognition was given for Gates’ long-standing efforts to support health, education, agriculture, and technology, particularly in Nigeria and across Africa. Tinubu made the announcement through a social media post, highlighting Gates’ work in fighting polio, improving healthcare systems, and supporting innovation through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
“Today, I conferred the Nigerian National Honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Mr Bill Gates in recognition of his decades-long commitment to improving lives,” Tinubu said.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also confirmed the development via a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Bill Gates is currently visiting Nigeria to meet with government officials and explore ways to strengthen the country’s primary healthcare system. His foundation has been actively involved in several life-changing initiatives in Nigeria, from disease eradication to supporting digital technology and agricultural growth.
During their meeting, Tinubu and Gates discussed further collaboration in key areas such as healthcare, innovation, and youth development.
“We also had meaningful conversations on deepening our collaboration… reaffirming our shared belief that real progress begins when we invest in people,” Tinubu said.
In a video shared by the President’s Special Adviser on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, Tinubu praised Gates for his selfless contributions to humanity. He described the American philanthropist as “one of the greatest human beings the world has brought.”
“All I need to say is thank you, Bill Gates, for your indivisible commitment to humanity… it is an inspiration to leadership across the world including the one standing before you,” Tinubu added.
Gates’ honour reflects Nigeria’s appreciation for individuals who have made lasting contributions to national development and global welfare. His foundation remains one of the largest charitable organisations supporting Nigeria’s development goals.
