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Bill Gates Pledges $2.8 Billion to Boost Nigeria’s Health, Nutrition, and Agriculture

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Photo source: Google

On Wednesday in Abuja, Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft and philanthropist, unveiled plans to invest at least $2.8 billion into Nigeria’s healthcare, nutrition, and agricultural sectors.

Speaking at the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Gates stressed the need to focus on Nigeria’s most valuable asset—its people—to address the country’s economic challenges.

As the co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gates has been a staunch advocate for Nigeria, with his commitment totalling over $2.8 billion—the largest philanthropic investment in Africa.

His address highlighted the pressing issues Nigeria faces, including economic stagnation and rising national debt.

Gates emphasized the necessity of prioritizing primary healthcare, noting that without health, there are limited growth opportunities

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He pointed out that despite Nigeria’s wealth, the country spends only N3,000 per person annually on primary healthcare, a situation he believes needs significant change.

He urged Nigerian leaders to increase funding and ensure efficient use of healthcare resources.

He commended recent achievements, such as the HPV vaccination campaign that reached over 12 million Nigerian girls in a month but called for ongoing improvements, particularly in data-driven healthcare decision-making and workforce management.

Addressing nutrition, Gates highlighted the critical issue of child malnutrition in Nigeria, which is linked to nearly half of all child deaths.

He advocated for greater involvement from the private sector in food fortification and urged state governments to enforce nutritional mandates.

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Gates also discussed affordable maternal health interventions, such as multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS), which could prevent anaemia and save numerous newborn lives.

In the agricultural sector, he expressed concern over Nigeria’s food insecurity, exacerbated by climate change and inadequate agricultural practices.

He recommended increased investment in extension services, fertilizers, and infrastructure to support farmers, as well as the adoption of innovative crop varieties with higher yields and pest resistance, such as new cassava varieties supported by the Gates Foundation.

Reaffirming his long-term commitment to Nigeria and Africa, Gates acknowledged the challenges in transforming the country’s prospects but remained optimistic.

He believes that with smart investments, innovative strategies, and dedicated leadership, Nigeria can achieve a brighter future.

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“By putting the Nigerian people first, Nigeria’s leaders can build a better future,” Gates asserted, expressing his continued faith in Nigeria’s potential and the crucial role of its leaders.


 

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Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Weds Fourth Wife in Secret Abuja Wedding

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The former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, makes headlines as his marriage to his fourth wife, Hiqma, is revealed.

It was reported that the pair had their wedding privately in Abuja on the 12th of July, 2025. The ceremony was attended by family and close friends and remained private until the wedding was over.

The wedding announcement was revealed by Yahaya Bello’s third wife, who stated “Alhamdulillah, our family just got a little bigger and more loving! A warm welcome to our new family member, Mrs. Hiqma Yahaya Bello! May Allah bless our union and fill our home with love, peace, and Barakah. Amin.”


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Sanwo-Olu Promises to Improve Traffic with New AI Powered Technology

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Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has made it clear that his government will not tolerate any form of assault on officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA). Speaking through his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, at the Second Lagos Traffic Conference on Tuesday, the governor said anyone caught attacking traffic officers will be made to face the law.

The event, held in honour of LASTMA’s 25th anniversary, brought together key stakeholders to reflect on traffic challenges and explore new solutions under the theme: “Enhancing Traffic Efficiency and Safety on Lagos Roads: Challenges, Opportunities, and Innovations.”

Sanwo-Olu praised the efforts of LASTMA officers who he said work in tough, often dangerous conditions to keep Lagos roads under control. He acknowledged their sacrifices and dedication, saying their presence is the thin yellow line between traffic order and chaos.

“I truly commend every LASTMA officer for your courage and commitment. You’ve stayed strong even when the job puts you at risk, and that speaks volumes about your dedication,” he said. He also paid respects to officers who died in the line of duty, calling them heroes whose sacrifices would always be remembered.

Looking ahead, Sanwo-Olu shared plans to modernize LASTMA with technology that fits today’s traffic demands. He said the government would increase investment in smart systems such as AI-powered tools, automatic number plate recognition, and drone surveillance. These tools, he explained, will make it easier to monitor traffic in real time, respond quickly to incidents, and improve the overall movement of vehicles across Lagos.

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Federal Government Releases Burial Details for Former President Muhammadu Buhari

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Federal Government releases further details for the burial of the Ex president, Muhammadu Buhari.

It was shared that the burial will occur on Wednesday 16th of July, 2025.

This information was revealed in an official statement released by presidential aide Sunday Dare on X platform.

The statement briefly states that a committee will be set for the burial to be done properly and for the events to be held. The Federal Government then makes a list of the ministers needed to join this committee to hold a successful burial ceremony for Buhari.


 

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