Kazeem Akolawole
International philanthropist and the co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates, arrived Nigeria and met with President Bola Tinubu in the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday.
Gates, who is on a visit to Nigeria and the Republic of Niger, will meet with the heads of governments and stakeholders who are working around humanitarian, development and health challenges.
Gates is also scheduled to meet other foundations partners helping to address polio, anaemia, and other health threats; scientists applying research to develop agricultural innovations which will help with food security and climate adaptation; innovators using technology to improve access to financial services; and others working to improve lives in Nigeria and Niger and throughout Africa.
According to a media advisory issued by the Foundation on Monday, the visit is part of the Gates Foundation’s commitment to work closely with communities and leaders to support innovation that can help accelerate progress and improve lives across African countries.
Gates is also scheduled to meet with national and regional leaders to encourage them to make investments and advance policies that promote innovation and provide equitable opportunity, despite challenging economic conditions.
The philanthropist will also participate in a conversation with students and young leaders to gather insights and share perspectives on how science and innovation can accelerate positive change and contribute to a brighter outlook for African countries.
Meanwhile, President Ahmed Tinubu has saluted the courage and commitment of Bill Gates in working for humanity, while commending his partnership with Aliko Dangote Foundation.
A statement signed by Dele Alake, Spokesman to the President, said Tinubu assured that his administration would do partner with them in their work to eradicate polio, measles, malaria and other diseases from Nigeria in particular, and Africa in general.
