President Tinubu Confers Nigeria’s Third-Highest National Honour On Bill Gates

President Bola Tinubu has conferred Nigeria’s third highest national honours, Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), to American philanthropist, Bill Gates.

Nigerian billionaire and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, was present during the ceremony at the president’s Lagos residence on Tuesday, June 3.

A statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the award was given in recognition of Bill Gates’ long-standing efforts to support Nigeria’s development, particularly in areas like maternal health, agriculture, and disease prevention.

Tinubu praised Gates for being a global example of leadership that puts the needs of the poor and vulnerable first.

He thanked Gates for his ongoing commitment to improving lives, saying: “Today, I would like to share my happiness and respect and acknowledge one of the greatest human beings in the world.

“All I need to say is thank you Bill Gates, for your indivisible commitment to humanity. It is highly remarkable. It is an inspiration to leaders across the world, including the one standing before you.

“I thank you very much. It is a great thing to honour you as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Bill Gates is currently in Nigeria as part of a wider visit across Africa.

His trip includes meetings with Nigerian federal and state leaders to discuss strengthening the country’s primary healthcare system.

The Gates Foundation shared that Gates will also take part in a special event called Goalkeepers Nigeria, which focuses on innovation and Africa’s future.

He’s expected to meet with local scientists and partners who are helping shape Nigeria’s strategies in artificial intelligence and healthcare.

The foundation also highlighted its growing presence across Africa, noting that offices in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal—along with its first African office in Ethiopia—show its deepening commitment to partnerships on the continent.

This visit comes shortly after the Gates Foundation pledged on May 8 to invest $200 billion over the next two decades to improve global health and development. Gates has said this is part of his personal mission to give away nearly all of his wealth.

The CFR is Nigeria’s third-highest national honour, following the GCFR (awarded to presidents) and the GCON (usually given to vice presidents). It is reserved for individuals who have made major contributions to Nigeria’s progress.

See some photos below:

KanyiDaily recalls that Bill Gates previously spoke about Nigeria’s agriculture and low tax collection rates.