Bill Gates inspires effective global leadership, says Tinubu
By Kunle Sanni
President Bola Tinubu has praised billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates as a global inspiration, citing his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable around the world.
Speaking on Tuesday in Lagos during a ceremony to confer the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Gates, Tinubu said, “All I need to say is thank you, Bill Gates, for your indivisible commitment to humanity. It is highly remarkable. It is an inspiration to leaders across the world, including the one standing before you.”
The President lauded Gates for his decades-long efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to combat infectious diseases, promote maternal health, and support agricultural development in Africa, particularly in Nigeria.
“Today, I would like to share my happiness and respect and acknowledge one of the greatest human beings in the world,” Tinubu said, describing the honour as a fitting tribute to Gates’ enduring impact.
Minister of Health and Social Development, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, highlighted the Gates Foundation’s deep involvement in Nigeria’s development, with investments exceeding $2 billion in healthcare, agriculture, and the digital economy. Pate credited the Foundation’s partnership with Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote in overcoming challenges such as vaccine hesitancy and in leading efforts that ultimately helped eradicate polio in Nigeria.
In his acceptance speech, Gates said he was deeply honoured by the recognition, adding that the work in Nigeria has been among the Foundation’s most impactful. “In the 25 years in Nigeria, we have achieved a lot. The child death rate has gone down thanks to increased vaccine coverage, and we’ve made significant progress on polio,” Gates said.
He added that the Foundation had rolled out HPV vaccines to combat cervical cancer, with Nigeria leading globally in reaching young girls. Looking ahead, Gates said, “Some of our goals will seem ambitious; for example, in the next twenty years, we hope to eradicate malaria.”
He assured President Tinubu of his long-term commitment to supporting health and development in Nigeria, pledging to invest his entire wealth in these causes over the next two decades.
