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With Funsho Arogundade
There’s no gainsaying that Eko Hotels & Suites is more than a mega-hotel but a business hub and a culture arena.
What began simply as Èkó Holiday Inn in 1977 has grown into a sprawling complex. Behind this massive hotel are Gilbert and Ronald Chagoury. These Lebanese-Nigerian billionaire brothers, who are inextricably linked to power and wealth, fully acquired and took over control of the hotel by 2004 after previously purchasing shares through the privatisation process, following its earlier operation under the Le Méridien management group. They later expanded the hotel into Nigeria’s largest hospitality complex with over 800 rooms, stunning Atlantic ocean views, diverse restaurants, a spa, gym, and large event spaces including a 7000-seat Convention Centre.
For over five decades, the hotel has become a symbol of excellence, warmth and hospitality. To celebrate this, the Chagoury Brothers and the hotel management drew out Nigeria’s ultimate power brokers on Friday, October 2 for the 50th anniversary gala & awards night of the iconic hotel.
The grand ballroom was filled to the brim with the influential figures and cognoscenti who have been part of the Eko Hotels story over the decades. Indeed, it was a night of elegance, exceptional moments, cherished memories and well-deserved recognition —celebrating the people and milestones that have shaped five decades of excellence in hospitality. The celebration was filled with music, dancing and unforgettable moments as international music star Wyclef Jean delivered an electrifying performance which got guests on their feet and brought the venue alive.
The 50th anniversary gala marked not just a celebration of years, but of resilience, growth and the vision of Gilbert and Ronald Chagoury in shaping Nigeria’s hospitality landscape.
