Bill Gates to inject $2.8bn into Nigeria’s healthcare, nutrition, agric sectors

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Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft and a philanthropist, announced intentions to reinvest at least $2.8 billion in the nation’s agriculture, healthcare, and nutrition sectors on Wednesday in Abuja.

Speaking about his plans at the National Economic Council, or NEC, meeting at the Presidential Villa under the direction of Vice President Kashim Shettima, Gates emphasised the vital need to address the nation’s economic difficulties while simultaneously investing in Nigeria’s most valuable resource—its people.

As co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gates has been a long-time supporter of Nigeria, having made the greatest donation of any African nation—more than $2.8 billion—to the nation.

In his speech to the NEC, he emphasised the potential and difficulties that Nigeria faces, particularly in the wake of economic stagnation and rising national debt.

The speaker emphasised the significance of giving primary healthcare first priority, stating that without health, “there can be no opportunity.” He also brought attention to the fact that Nigeria, a wealthy nation, spends only N3,000 per person annually on primary healthcare, a ratio he claimed ought to be changed.

He pleaded with Nigerian authorities to make sure that funds allotted for primary healthcare are disbursed on time.

In addition, he applauded recent initiatives, such the successful HPV vaccine campaign that in just one month vaccinated over 12 million Nigerian females. Nonetheless, he emphasised the necessity of ongoing development, especially in data-driven decision-making to maximise staff management and healthcare delivery.

Regarding nutrition, Gates emphasised the concerning prevalence of undernourishment among children in Nigeria, which accounts for over 50% of all infant fatalities.

He pushed state governments to enforce adherence to dietary guidelines and advocated for increased business sector participation in food fortification.

Additionally, he talked about low-cost maternal health measures that could save thousands of baby lives and prevent millions of cases of anaemia, such as the usage of multiple micronutrient supplements, MMS.

Regarding agriculture, Gates voiced concern about the food insecurity in Nigeria, which is made worse by climate change and subpar farming methods.

In order to benefit farmers, he argued for more investment for infrastructure, fertilisers, and extension services.

Additionally, he promoted the use of novel crop varieties that yield more and are more pest-resistant, such the recently developed cassava varieties made possible by funding from the Gates Foundation.

He went on to reiterate the Gates Foundation’s long-term dedication to Africa and Nigeria.

Although he acknowledged the challenges in trying to turn around the nation’s fortunes, he was optimistic that Nigeria could create a better future via astute investments, creative thinking, and committed leadership.

“By putting the Nigerian people first, Nigeria’s leaders can build a better future,” Gates said, adding: “I still believe in the grand vision of Nigeria’s future, and that future depends on all of you.”

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