From left: Bill Gates, President Tinubu , and Aliko Dangote/ State House photo.

President Bola Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) on American philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.

This was in recognition of his contributions to health, education, and poverty alleviation, particularly in Nigeria and across Africa.

The honour was presented during Gates’ visit to Nigeria, which included meetings with President Tinubu and other officials to discuss reforms in the country’s primary healthcare system.

His itinerary also includes participation in the Goalkeepers Nigeria event and engagements with scientists and stakeholders working to expand AI-driven health solutions

The CFR is one of Nigeria’s highest honours, reserved for individuals who have significantly impacted national development or advanced the country’s standing globally.

Gates, who is 69, said his ongoing engagement with Africa is both a “moral responsibility and a strategic investment.”

Dr. HarunaNma Yahaya, a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), has emerged the institute’s 61st President.

Yahaya would succeed the outgoing President of ICAN, Mr. Davidson Alabribe, whose tenure of office expired yesterday.

In his acceptance speech , Yahaya said, “given the historic significance of this solemn ceremony and the towering stature of the office I am privileged to assume, I stand before this distinguished audience—and indeed the entire membership of our noble institute—with utmost humility and an abiding sense of duty, to formally accept my election as the 61st President of the ICAN.

“I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit resolute in purpose. By the infinite Grace and Mercy of Almighty Allah, I pledge that I shall not fail, falter, or betray the profound trust reposed in me, regardless of the challenges that may lie ahead.

“I am fully committed to upholding the dignity of this office and to advancing the enduring legacy of our great Institute.”

The National Emergency Management Agency says it has deployed its officials in 15 high-risk states to further enlighten residents on the impending floods and the need to relocate from flood-prone areas.

NEMA noted that the victims of the tragedy in Mokwa, Niger State lived in gully areas and were caught unawares by the recent flooding disaster in the state despite official warnings.

Head of the Press Unit at NEMA, Manzo Ezekiel, said the states include Kogi, Imo, Enugu, Adamawa, Taraba, Borno, Zamfara, Katsina and the Federal Capital Territory.

He lamented that many victims of the May 23 flooding built their residences in gully areas prone to floods.

The flood in Mokwa, a commercial hub in Niger State, claimed over 200 lives, with hundreds of others declared missing.

The rainy season usually runs from April to October in Nigeria and last Wednesday, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency issued a forecast of heavy storms for Abuja and 14 of the country’s 36 states, including Niger.