Tinubu Confers GCON on Longtime Associate, Gilbert Chagoury, Cites Service to Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu has conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on his long time friend, Lebanese-Nigerian businessman, Mr. Gilbert Chagoury, who owns popular Eko Hotel and suites.
Tinubu said that Mr. Chagoury has immensely contributed to the growth of Nigeria in several ways, the GCON honour was conveyed to Mr. Chagoury through an Instrument of Conferment of National Honour dated January 8, 2026.
The GCON, is Nigeria’s second-highest national honour after the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR).
The GCFR is usually conferred on the president and commander in-chief of the armed forces of Nigeria, while the GCON is usually conferred on the President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Vice President and any other gighly deserving individuals at the discretion of the President.
President Tinubu said the award was made in the exercise of the powers vested in him under the National Honours Act, describing Chagoury as deserving of the recognition based on the businessman’s “outstanding virtues” and service to Nigeria.
“In exercise of the powers vested in me under section 1(4) of the National Honours Act, I, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in recognition of your outstanding virtues and in appreciation of your services to our country, Nigeria, hereby award to you to have, and enjoy the title, dignity and all the privileges of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON),” the president said
Mr. Chagoury, was born in Nigeria to Lebanese immigrant parents, he has featured prominiently in the Lagos business circles with interests spanning several sectors including hospitality, automobiles, flour milling, glass manufacturing, construction and manufacturing. The Chaoury group which was founded in 1971 owns the iconic Eko Hotels and Suites and the Eko Convention Centre.
The Chagoury Group is also a major partner in the Eko Atlantic City project, the most ambitious real estate development in Nigeria in the last few decades.
