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Bill Gates Pledges $2.8 Billion to Boost Nigeria’s Health, Nutrition, and Agriculture
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
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.
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.
“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.
It was reported that former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan has allegedly purchased a presidential candidate form for the 2027 elections.
It can be noted that Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015.
This information was revealed by Sani Useni, a special assistant who made the claim. Many reacted to the news, with some expressing interest in seeing Jonathan return to power after staying relatively quiet politically since his administration ended.
However, Jonathan has not yet addressed the public or officially shared any presidential ambition.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has reacted to the recent abduction incident in Oyo State.
It can be recalled that schools were attacked by armed men, with some teachers and students reportedly taken. Some people were also killed during the attack.
CAN cried out on behalf of the public, stating “It is intolerable, disgraceful and utterly unacceptable that Nigerian children can no longer sit safely in classrooms without the fear of being kidnapped by armed gangs.”
The organisation also stated that Nigerians are tired of constantly mourning and questioning when something will finally be done to stop the violence.
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that seven teachers were abducted following a recent attack on a school in the state.
It was also shared that the number of students taken is still being investigated.
The governor further revealed that some people were killed during the attack and abduction.
He also added “With the pressure on the terrorists and the bandits in the North-West, they will keep moving southward.”
“When you have pressure in one place, we must be prepared on this side to either repel or neutralise any terrorists fleeing the pressure points.”
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