President Tinubu Confers National Honour of CFR on Bill Gates

Lagos, Nigeria – June 3, 2025I

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday night conferred the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

This is a significant recognition of Bill Gates’ global contributions to health, development, and philanthropy.

The prestigious ceremony took place in Lagos.

The honour reflects Nigeria’s appreciation for Gates’ decades-long commitment to improving public health, supporting education, and addressing poverty in Africa, particularly through the work of his foundation.

The CFR is one of Nigeria’s highest national honours, traditionally awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to national development or international advancement of the country’s interests.

A photo released by the State House showed President Tinubu presenting the award to Gates in a formal ceremony marked by diplomatic warmth and mutual respect.

Gates has been a prominent supporter of health initiatives in Nigeria, including polio eradication, malaria control, and healthcare infrastructure through sustained funding and partnerships with Nigerian health institutions.

This honour marks yet another milestone in the growing relationship between Nigeria and the Gates Foundation in the areas of health, education, and innovation.