President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday in Lagos, conferred the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and chairman of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The president praised Gates for inspiring global leaders through his lifelong commitment to uplifting the poor and tackling public health challenges.
Tinubu highlighted Gates’s contributions to maternal health, agriculture, and infectious disease prevention, describing them as monumental.
“Thank you, Bill Gates, for your indivisible commitment to humanity,” Tinubu said during the ceremony. “It is an inspiration to leaders across the world, including the one standing before you.”
Health Minister Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate also noted Gates’s long-standing efforts in Nigeria, especially his collaboration with Alhaji Aliko Dangote to combat vaccine hesitancy and improve immunisation coverage in Northern Nigeria.
Over the years, Gates Foundation has invested more than $2 billion in areas affecting millions of Nigerians.
Foundation sets sights on ending malaria and cervical cancer in Nigeria
Speaking after receiving the CFR honour, Gates expressed his gratitude and reaffirmed his Foundation’s commitment to improving health outcomes in Nigeria.
He revealed that HPV vaccines are now being deployed nationwide to curb cervical cancer among girls, adding, “Nigeria achieved better results than any other country in getting vaccines to young girls.”
Gates added that the eradication of polio was one of their toughest battles, but one that fostered strong partnerships with traditional institutions.
He expressed optimism about future targets, including the bold ambition of eradicating malaria in Nigeria within the next 20 years.
Also in attendance were Aliko Dangote, Minister of Special Duties Hon. Zephaniah Jisalo, Gates Foundation executives, and Dr. Ayuba Burki Gufwan of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
