President Bola Tinubu has awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger to his longstanding colleague, Gilbert Chagoury.
A letter reviewed by our correspondent indicates that the president awarded Chagoury Nigeria’s second highest honor in recognition of his achievements to the nation, according to Daily Trust.
“Pursuant to the authority conferred upon me by section 1(4) of the National Honours Act, I, BOLA AHMED TINUBU, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in acknowledgment of your exemplary qualities and in gratitude for your contributions to our nation, Nigeria, hereby confer upon you the title, dignity, and all privileges of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). Given in Abuja under my hand and the Public Seal of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
In response, millionaire businessman Femi Otedola remarked that the accolade was well-deserved, commending Chagoury’s record in commerce and national advancement.
“Your life exemplifies vision, discipline, and consistent excellence,” Otedola stated.
He emphasized Chagoury’s contributions to significant real estate and infrastructure projects, observing that they had generated employment and made a lasting impact on Nigeria’s metropolitan environment.
“From Banana Island to Eko Atlantic City, your contributions are evident in landmarks, employment opportunities, and enduring influence, and your leadership has motivated generations of Nigerians to aspire to greater ambitions and undertake bolder actions,” he added.
Otedola closed by commending Chagoury’s accomplishments and reiterating his esteem.
This honor is genuinely merited. “I honor you today and perpetually,” he stated.
Chagoury is a Lebanese-Nigerian individual born to Lebanese immigrant parents in Lagos.
In 1971, he co-established the Chagoury Group with his younger brother Ronald Chagoury, an industrial conglomerate engaged in construction, real estate and property development, flour milling, water bottling and purification, glass manufacturing, insurance, hospitality, furniture manufacturing, telecommunications, information technology, catering, and international finance.
In 2024, a controversy arose when Tinubu handed the $11 billion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project to Chagoury’s Hitech, a decision criticized for the absence of public bidding and the longstanding relationship between Tinubu and Chagoury.
Reports indicate that Seyi Tinubu, the son of Tinubu, is a board member of one of Chagoury’s enterprises and is also a co-shareholder in a British Virgin Islands entity alongside Ronald Chagoury Jr., the son of Gilbert.
About the Author
