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In a move that has sparked widespread discussion across Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently bestowed the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), the nation’s second-highest national honour, upon the distinguished Lebanese-Nigerian billionaire entrepreneur, Sir Gilbert Chagoury.
The conferment, officially issued under Section 1(4) of the National Honours Act, recognizes Chagoury’s “outstanding virtues and services to our country, Nigeria.” This significant honour places him among an elite group of recipients, including renowned figures like Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Emeka Anyaoku, and Wole Soyinka, underscoring the gravity and prestige of the award.
A Legacy of Development
Sir Gilbert Chagoury’s contributions to Nigeria’s economic landscape are undeniable and extensive. As co-founder of the Chagoury Group alongside his brother Ronald in 1971, he has been a driving force behind some of Nigeria’s most transformative private-sector developments. His vision played a pivotal role in the metamorphosis of Banana Island into an elite residential haven and, perhaps most notably, in the ambitious Eko Atlantic City project – a colossal reclaimed-land urban development poised to redefine Lagos’s skyline and economic future. These landmark projects have not only created significant infrastructure but have also generated countless job opportunities and attracted substantial business investments.
Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola was quick to publicly congratulate Chagoury, lauding him as a true role model and commending his decades-long dedication to national development.
Questions and Connections
While Chagoury’s business acumen and impact are celebrated, the conferment has also drawn considerable attention due to his long-standing personal and business relationship with President Tinubu. This connection dates back to President Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos State Governor. The recent award comes in the wake of Chagoury’s company, Hitech Construction, being awarded the multi-billion-naira Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project in 2024. This timing has, naturally, sparked discussions and raised questions regarding transparency and potential conflicts of interest, becoming a focal point of public discourse.
Looking Ahead
The GCON honour for Sir Gilbert Chagoury is more than just a recognition of past achievements; it’s a testament to a career deeply intertwined with Nigeria’s development story. As the nation continues to navigate its path to progress, the conferment serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between private enterprise, national recognition, and public scrutiny.
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