The co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates, has spoken about his recent visit to Nigeria.
He made this known in a statement sent to followers through Gates’s notes.
Politics Nigeria reports that while in Nigeria, Gates met many Nigerians, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He also interacted with Nigerian innovators and encouraged them to see opportunities in challenges.
Mr. Gates expressed his belief in the power of science and innovation to help people lead long, healthy lives. Still, he noted that he had learnt that the benefits don’t automatically reach everyone.
Gates narrated:
‘I’ve been fortunate to spend a good amount of time in Nigeria over the past two-plus decades as part of my work with the Gates Foundation. Each time I return, the country feels both familiar and entirely new.
‘That’s exactly how it felt earlier this week when I visited for the first time in five years. It was great to catch up with old friends and reconnect in person with longtime partners. At the same time, I was blown away by how much this vibrant, dynamic place has changed.
‘But it makes sense: Nigeria isn’t just the most populous country in Africa—it also has one of the youngest populations in the world. And where there are young people, there’s always innovation.
‘From agriculture and solar power to maternal health and neonatal care, Nigerians are at the forefront of next-generation advancements that will improve the country, the continent, and even the world.
‘With Afrobeats music and Nollywood movies and TV shows, Nigerian culture is entertaining us, too. It was a busy, inspiring week—one that also included my first-ever trip to Niger, where our foundation has been working for years alongside talented Nigeriens to prevent the spread of polio.’
