"Why I Conferred National Honour on Bill Gates": Tinubu Speaks

• President Bola Tinubu has explained why his administration conferred the Nigerian National Honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Bill Gates
• Gates, the founder of Microsoft and a philanthropist, was in Nigeria to engage in discussions on key health and development initiatives
• According to the Gates Foundation, the billionaire will also participate in a Goalkeepers Nigeria event themed around Africa’s innovative future, which will involve local scientists

President Bola Tinubu has announced that Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft and philanthropist, has been conferred the Nigerian National Honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR).

In a tweet on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, the president explained that the honour was in recognition of Gates' long-time commitment to improving lives in Nigeria and across Africa through interventions in global health and polio eradication, agricultural development, digital innovation and education.

How Bill Gates saved millions - Tinubu

President Tinubu stated that the philanthropist’s contributions through the Gates Foundation have saved millions of lives, with many of the foundation’s initiatives uplifting communities and inspiring global action.

Tinubu further noted that he and Gates had meaningful conversations to deepen Nigeria's collaboration in the health sector, youth development and innovation. The president also said he and Gates share the belief that genuine progress begins with investing in people

He then reiterated the commitment of his administration to welcome ideas, partnerships and actions that benefit humanity.

Tinubu's tweet is here:

The ceremony took place in Lagos on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, and was part of the billionaire's ongoing visit to Nigeria to engage in discussions on key health and development initiatives. Gates is visiting the country to engage with leaders at the federal and state levels to strengthen Nigeria's primary health care system.

Why Bill Gates visited Nigeria

A statement from the Gates Foundation further explained that the billionaire will also participate in a Goalkeepers Nigeria event, themed around Africa’s innovative future, which will involve local scientists. He will also contribute to Nigeria’s national strategy on artificial intelligence and health solutions.

The statement partly reads:

“From Addis Ababa, Gates will travel to Nigeria, where he will meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and engage with federal and state leaders to discuss Nigeria’s primary health care reforms”.

According to the statement, the foundation will be opening offices in Nigeria, South Africa, Senegal, and Kenya, in addition to its first African office in Ethiopia, which was established over a decade ago. The foundation explained that this move reflects its commitment to strengthening partnerships across the continent.

Tinubu's list of nicknames

Legit.ng earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu has been recently named T-Pain, reflecting the economic hardship Nigerians are facing.

However, his supporters have rebranded the nickname to 'temporary pain', reflecting the manifesto 'hope renewed'.

T-Pain is the fifth and latest nickname for Tinubu, in addition to others that have existed for some time. The president has faced criticisms over his administration's policies.

Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng