Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates has been awarded the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) by President Bola Tinubu. The ceremony took place on Tuesday in Lagos during Gates’ visit to Nigeria, where he is engaging with government leaders to support reforms in primary healthcare.
Photos from the event show President Tinubu presenting the award to Gates, with Nigerian business magnate Aliko Dangote also in attendance.
Gates, who chairs the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is in Nigeria to discuss health and development initiatives, including participation in the Goalkeepers Nigeria event focused on Africa’s innovation and future. He is also scheduled to meet with local scientists and partners contributing to Nigeria’s artificial intelligence and health strategies.
According to a statement from the Gates Foundation, Gates’ tour follows his visit to Ethiopia and will include further engagement with both federal and state officials to advance Nigeria’s healthcare agenda.
The Foundation noted that its growing presence in Africa—through offices in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and its original base in Ethiopia—underscores its commitment to deepening partnerships across the continent.
Gates’ visit comes shortly after the Foundation’s major announcement on May 8 of a $200 billion pledge over the next two decades to support global health and development, aligning with his pledge to donate the majority of his wealth to philanthropic causes.
