Popular philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has been honoured by President Bola Tinubu.
Gates recently received one of Nigeria’s highest national recognitions, the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), for his pivotal role in reshaping the nation’s healthcare landscape.
Speaking during the ceremony held in Lagos on Tuesday, Tinubu said that Bill Gates deserves to be recognized for inspiring generations of global leadership via his impactful philanthropy.
The President revealed that Bill’s legacy in Nigeria is not because of his generosity alone, but for the results it has delivered, including reduced child mortality rates, polio eradication, and more access to life-saving vaccines.
According to him, he can only appreciate the philanthropist for his indivisible commitment to humanity when the world needs him the most.
“All I need to say is thank you, Bill Gates, for your indivisible commitment to humanity.
It is highly remarkable and an inspiration to leaders across the world, including the one standing before you,” he said.
Acknowledging Gates’ unwavering support through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, especially in boosting maternal health systems, delivering agricultural reforms, and combating infectious diseases, BAT reiterated that these interventions have gone a long way towards transforming some of the most vulnerable communities across Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Minister of Health and Social Development, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, noted that Bill’s CFR honour is well deserved.
He mentioned that the Microsoft co-owner’s collaboration with Dangote helped to drive the nationwide campaign that got rid of polio.
“From that time until now, the Gates Foundation and its partners have invested over $2 billion in Nigeria.
These funds have strengthened health care delivery, agriculture, and the digital economy, all with real, measurable impact,” Muhammad said.
Accepting the honour, Bill Gates said that the CFR award stands for the shared progress achieved by Nigerian institutions and the Foundation over the last 25 years.
He concluded by praising Nigeria’s leadership for its commitment to public health.
“We’ve made significant progress, especially in vaccine coverage and polio eradication, thanks to strong collaboration.
Some of our goals may seem ambitious. But I’m committed to investing all my wealth in this mission over the next 20 years,” he added.
