President Bola Tinubu Confers Prestigious GCON Honour on Gilbert Chagoury
In a ceremony held in Abuja on January 8, 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conferred the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) upon Ambassador Gilbert Chagoury. The award, presented under the Public Seal of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is the country’s second-highest national honour, reserved for individuals who have rendered extraordinary service to the nation.
The honour specifically recognises Chagoury’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s economic development and nation-building. As a prominent businessman and philanthropist, he is celebrated for his pivotal role in transforming Nigeria’s urban landscape, particularly in Lagos, and for his sustained advancement of the private sector. In a public congratulatory message, Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola described Chagoury as a mentor and role model, highlighting his decades-long influence on both Lagos’s development and Nigeria’s broader economic growth.
This recognition places Chagoury among a distinguished lineage of leaders and visionaries whose efforts continue to shape national progress. It reflects his extensive engagement in high-profile development projects, substantial investment in critical infrastructure, and philanthropy aimed at improving the social and economic well-being of Nigerians. The award underscores the nation’s commitment to celebrating excellence and transformative impact, a principle that guides initiatives like the recent move where the FG introduces industrialisation policy to boost manufacturing as part of a broader economic strategy.
The GCON honour has historically been awarded to a select few. In a notable precedent, the honour was conferred on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2025 during his state visit, a rare recognition for a foreign leader that acknowledged his efforts in strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and India. The decision by President Bola Tinubu to bestow this same honour upon Gilbert Chagoury reaffirms the high esteem in which his lifelong contributions are held, paralleling the recognition of other pivotal figures in the nation’s journey.
This event occurs within a dynamic national context, where leadership actions are closely observed, from moments where a governor launches a new initiative to instances where political figures offer condolences, such as when Okpebholo condoles Thisday. It also exists alongside ongoing national dialogues, including when Obi accuses ECOWAS of certain stances, highlighting the multifaceted nature of Nigeria’s political and economic landscape.
