In a meeting held in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu has emphasized the need for greater engagement from renowned philanthropist and Co-founder of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates, in addressing the challenges faced by developing countries.
Tinubu commended Gates for his commitment to humanity but urged him to amplify the voice of the developing nations on the global stage.
The meeting took place on Monday at the Presidential Villa, where Tinubu received Gates and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of Aliko Dangote Foundation. Tinubu assured the visitors of his administration’s unwavering dedication to the health and safety of Nigerians, recognizing the pivotal role of a healthy workforce in national development.
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Tinubu lauded Gates’ unwavering efforts in combating climate change and eradicating diseases such as polio and malaria in Africa. He also expressed appreciation for the partnership between the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Aliko Dangote Foundation, underscoring his administration’s commitment to facilitating their work in Nigeria and across the continent.
However, Tinubu cautioned about the budgetary constraints and other financial challenges that may hinder the implementation of their initiatives. He highlighted the critical importance of sufficient funding to effectively tackle diseases like polio, measles, and malaria.
Following the meeting, Aliko Dangote addressed the media, extending his congratulations to President Tinubu on his election and assumption of office. Dangote stated that the purpose of their visit to the Presidential Villa was to update the President on the ongoing efforts of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Aliko Dangote Foundation, particularly their commitment to improving Nigeria’s health sector. He further expressed the foundations’ readiness to collaborate further with the government in achieving their shared goals.
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Dangote took the opportunity to commend President Tinubu for his bold decision to remove fuel subsidies, expressing confidence that these funds would now be allocated to critical sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, and other areas vital to the economy’s growth and development.