President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred one of Nigeria’s highest national honours, the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), on billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.

The honour was bestowed during a special ceremony held in Lagos on Tuesday night, in recognition of Gates\' outstanding global humanitarian efforts and sustained contributions to Nigeria’s health and education sectors through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

President Tinubu praised Gates for his unwavering commitment to improving lives across Africa, particularly in Nigeria, where the foundation has played a key role in combatting polio, malaria, and promoting primary healthcare.

“Bill Gates has demonstrated a rare kind of philanthropy that transcends borders, cultures, and governments. His commitment to human development, especially in Africa, deserves this recognition,” the President said.

Gates, who was present at the ceremony, expressed gratitude for the honour and reaffirmed his foundation\'s dedication to partnering with Nigeria to drive progress in health, agriculture, and digital innovation.

The CFR is one of Nigeria’s most prestigious national honours, traditionally reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the country or humanity at large.