By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima, American Billionaire / co-Chairman of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates and the Chairman of Dangote Foundation, Aliko Dangote, are currently meeting with members of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Although details of the meeting are not immediately known but it is part of the Gates Foundation’s commitment to work closely with communities and leaders to support innovation that can
help accelerate progress and improve lives across Africa.
The American entrepreneur had on Monday met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of the programme to learn from partners helping to address polio, anemia, and other health threats; scientists applying research to develop agricultural innovations that will help with food security and climate adaptation; innovators using technology to improve access to financial services; and others working to improve lives in Niger and Nigeria and throughout the continent.
He also attended an innovative event on Wednesday in Lagos where he met with young Nigerians who are eagerly awaiting to embrace technological advancement and apply themselves to the new ways of life.
Gates and his delegation had also been scheduled to meet with national and regional leaders to encourage them to make investments and advance policies that promote innovation and provide equitable opportunity, despite challenging economic conditions.
He was similarly expected to participate in a conversation with students and young leaders to gather insights and share perspectives on how science and innovation can accelerate positive change and contribute to a brighter outlook for Africa.
Amongst the state governors who are attending the closed doors meeting with Shettima are Dr. Alex Otti (Abia), Professor Babagana Umara Zulum (Borno), Senator Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) and Umar Namadi (Jigawa) and Ahmad Aliyu.(Sokoto).
