On Wednesday (June 21), Gates was delivering his opening address at an event in Lagos, Nigeria. Prior to his address, the American businessman and Aliko Dangote, a Nigerian businessman, had met with Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu on Monday (June 19).

It is reported that the meeting between the three men was a part of the Gates Foundation’s commitment to work closely with other communities and leaders, in helping support innovation.

The event on Wednesday, in Lagos State, was called, ‘Advancing Africa: Unleashing the Power of Youth in Science and Innovation,’ and was co-hosted by Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB) Nigeria and Lagos Business School. The event’s objective was to gather insights and share perspectives on how science and innovation can help push forward positive change and contribute to a better future for Africa.

During Gates’ address, he shared his journey into the world of technology and highlighted the transformative potential it has. He also encouraged Nigeria’s youth in hopes of them wanting to further develop various sectors like health, education and finance.

Gates acknowledged the country’s difficulties in: gathering and allocating funds for future investments; maintaining long-term stability; and implementing effective policies.

However, he also emphasized the importance of investing in the skills and ambition of the talent youth in Nigeria, and having them tackle the following urgent issues: women’s empowerment and maternal health; infectious diseases; food nutrition; and positive change driven by technology.

The American billionaire also took time to express his love and adoration for Nigeria and Nigerians’ creativity, entrepreneurship and ambition. While giving the African country its creative praises, the Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist not only spoke on how Afrobeats from Nigeria has gained popularity all across the globe, but how it’s also made into his own home.

He said, “Of course, being here in Nigeria, I can’t help but mention the amazing creativity that goes on here. Afrobeats from Nigeria are popular everywhere.” He went on to mention his 20-year-old daughter and her love for the genre and culture as well. Gates said, “When my daughter Phoebe heard I was coming to Nigeria, she said, ‘You’re lucky to go see Burna Boy and Rema.’ So, I had to look them up… because I’m so ‘hip.’”

Bill Gates also recalled how he once saw Davido and Wizkid performing in their native country during his last visit. He added, “But I also remember, the last time I was here, I did get to see Davido and Wizkid perform and I was quite impressed with that. So, my kids think I’ve come to a very hip place.”