Lagos, Nigeria – Tuesday Night Glow of National Pride
In a historic moment that spotlighted Nigeria on the global stage, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday night conferred one of the nation’s highest honours — the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) — on billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates.
The ceremony, held in Lagos, recognised Gates’ decades-long contributions to health, education, and technology across Africa, particularly through the impactful work of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Presenting the award, President Tinubu described Gates as a “global force for good” whose commitment to humanity transcends borders, adding, “Nigeria salutes your unwavering support in our battle against polio, malaria, and poverty.”
The event was marked by applause and admiration as Gates, visibly honoured, expressed his deep gratitude. “This recognition inspires us to deepen our partnership with Nigeria and invest further in the potential of its people,” he said.
This marks a powerful symbol of Nigeria’s appreciation for global allies committed to national development — and a reminder that impact, not origin, earns honour.