President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the prestigious Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) national honour on American billionaire and Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates, in recognition of his longstanding contributions to health, education, and poverty alleviation across Nigeria and Africa.

The honour was formally bestowed during a high-profile event in Lagos on Tuesday night, with Gates accompanied by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote. According to the State House, the CFR award acknowledges Gates’ pivotal role in advancing critical development sectors, especially in Nigeria.

During his visit, Gates held strategic meetings with President Tinubu and senior government officials to discuss planned reforms in Nigeria’s primary healthcare system. He is also participating in the Goalkeepers Nigeria event and is scheduled to engage with scientists and stakeholders focusing on the application of AI in health innovation.

The CFR is one of Nigeria’s highest national honours, reserved for individuals whose efforts have significantly boosted the country’s development or enhanced its global reputation.

Reflecting on his work in Africa, the 69-year-old philanthropist said:

“My engagement with Africa is both a moral responsibility and a strategic investment.”

Through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gates has committed over $100 billion to global development and health efforts, with a projected investment of up to $200 billion toward Africa over the coming decades subject to economic trends and inflation.