In a landmark moment of recognition, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday conferred the national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates, in appreciation of his outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s development.
The investiture, held during Gates’ visit to Nigeria, celebrated his decades-long philanthropic efforts in health, education, and poverty alleviation through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
President Tinubu also held a meeting with Dr. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), marking a symbolic moment that highlighted Nigeria’s progress in the fight against polio and its commitment to building a healthier and more inclusive society.
In a remarkable show of humility and solidarity, Gates dedicated the CFR award to Chief Ayuba Gufwan, a polio survivor and founder of Wheelchairs for Nigeria. Chief Gufwan has been a leading voice in disability advocacy, dedicating his life to improving the welfare of persons with disabilities across the country.
Having lost the use of his legs to polio at the age of five, Chief Gufwan has empowered thousands by distributing hand-powered tricycles to individuals with mobility challenges, significantly improving their independence and dignity.
Describing him as “a symbol of resilience and hope,” Gates praised Gufwan’s unwavering commitment to disability rights and grassroots advocacy for immunization.
“It’s always an honor to partner with incredible Nigerian healthcare workers, midwives, researchers, innovators, and changemakers—like the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and Wheelchairs for Nigeria’s Chief Ayuba Gufwan, a polio survivor who has spent his life raising awareness, delivering mobility aids, and championing vaccines. People like him make me hopeful that, despite the odds and obstacles, we can #EndPolio for good,” Gates said.
He added, “His story is not just one of survival, but of leadership and transformation.”
The event marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward disability inclusion and underscored the federal government’s recognition of individuals championing change in underserved communities.
Join Inclusive News Network WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You. Click Here
2 comments
She is deaf nd dumb,I have new students for university very soon
I am a graduated from the plateau State college of education Gindiri hopefully employment in your Department sir