Otedola Hails Sir Gilbert Chagoury At 80, Credits Him With Transformational Impact On Nigeria

Billionaire industrialist and philanthropist, Femi Otedola, has paid glowing tribute to his mentor and role model, Sir Gilbert Chagoury, as the elder statesman of business clocks 80 years, describing his life as a testament to vision, discipline, and unwavering belief in Nigeria.

In a heartfelt message shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, Otedola praised Chagoury for not only building successful businesses but also shaping Nigeria’s urban and infrastructural landscape in ways that will endure for generations.

According to Otedola, landmark developments such as Banana Island and Eko Atlantic City stand as lasting symbols of Chagoury’s foresight and courage. He noted that without Chagoury’s vision, Banana Island now one of Africa’s most exclusive residential districts would never have emerged as a model for premium urban development in Nigeria.

Otedola further highlighted the strategic importance of Eko Atlantic, describing it as a project that has protected large parts of Victoria Island and Ikoyi from the advancing Atlantic Ocean. What many perceive merely as infrastructure, he said, represents long-term thinking and foresight that safeguards both the present and the future.

“Eko Atlantic remains, to me, the ninth wonder of the modern world,” Otedola stated, adding that the project reflects Chagoury’s conviction that Nigeria deserves world-class development and that Africans must take the lead in building boldly for themselves.

He also commended Chagoury’s enduring passion for Nigeria, describing it as rare, genuine, and deeply inspiring. Despite decades of achievements, Otedola noted, Chagoury’s commitment to the country’s progress has remained consistent a quality he described as his greatest legacy.

As Sir Gilbert Chagoury marks his 80th birthday, Otedola wished him continued good health, strength, and fulfillment, expressing hope that he would enjoy seeing Nigeria continue to rise on foundations he helped to lay.

“The story of modern Nigeria is richer because you chose to believe, build, and stay committed,” Otedola concluded.
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