Tuesday June 3, 2025|
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Tuesday, June 3, night in Lagos, conferred the prestigious National Honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) on billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The ceremony, held at a private State event, recognized Gates for his longstanding contributions to global health, education, and development—particularly in Nigeria and across Africa.
Gates, whose foundation has invested billions of dollars in polio eradication, vaccine access, maternal health, and agricultural innovation in Nigeria, is one of the most prominent non-African recipients of the CFR award.
The honour highlights the Tinubu administration’s continued engagement with international partners committed to Nigeria’s socioeconomic progress.
A photo released by the State House showed President Tinubu presenting the medal to Gates during the investiture.
The CFR is Nigeria’s third-highest national honour and is reserved for individuals who have rendered outstanding service to the nation in various capacities.
Bill Gates Receives Nigeria’s Top National Honour From President Tinubu
