By Habeeb Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honoured billionaire philanthropist and Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr. Bill Gates, with the national award of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) in recognition of his longstanding commitment to global health, education, and development—especially in Nigeria and across the African continent.
The ceremony, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, celebrated Gates’ critical role in advancing public health initiatives, including the fight against polio, support for vaccine distribution, and investments in education and agricultural innovation.
President Tinubu described Gates as “a partner in progress” whose interventions have saved lives and uplifted vulnerable communities across Nigeria.
“Bill Gates has shown a deep, consistent commitment to the welfare of Nigerians and Africans at large. This honour reflects our appreciation and recognition of the tangible impact his work continues to make,” Tinubu said.
Also present at the event was Dr Ayuba Burki Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), marking a symbolic moment of Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to improve inclusion and accessibility for all citizens.
The meeting with Gufwan further emphasized Nigeria’s success in eradicating polio and its broader vision of inclusive health and social development.
In response, Mr. Gates expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to partnering with Nigeria to accelerate progress in public health, digital innovation, and education.
“We will continue to work closely with Nigerian partners to build systems that ensure every child has a chance to thrive,” Gates said.
The visit and national recognition come amid renewed efforts by the Tinubu administration to deepen international cooperation and promote inclusive development goals in Nigeria.
Who is Bill Gates?
Bill Gates is an American business magnate, software developer, and philanthropist. He co-founded Microsoft Corporation in 1975, which grew to become the world’s leading personal computer software company and made Gates one of the richest individuals globally.
In 2000, Gates stepped away from full-time involvement in Microsoft to focus on philanthropy through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which he co-founded with his then-wife, Melinda French Gates. The Foundation has since become one of the largest private philanthropic organizations in the world, dedicating billions of dollars to global health, education, agriculture, and poverty reduction—particularly in underserved regions of the world, including Nigeria.
His efforts in supporting vaccine development, disease eradication (such as polio and malaria), and health system strengthening have earned him international recognition and numerous accolades from governments and institutions across the globe.
