Gilbert Ramez Chagoury, a Lebanese-born entrepreneur, has built a remarkable bridge between his hometown of Miziara in Lebanon and his adopted home, Nigeria. Miziara, a picturesque village of 6,000 perched on the hills of Lebanon’s North Governorate, has long felt the impact of migration, with many residents seeking opportunities abroad. Chagoury, born in Nigeria in 1946 to Lebanese parents, has maintained deep ties to Miziara, contributing to its infrastructure and education while also helping establish a lasting economic link between the village and Nigeria.
Nigeria, where Chagoury spent most of his life, became the canvas for his entrepreneurial journey. After returning from studies in Lebanon, he quickly tapped into the post-independence opportunities in Nigeria, starting with humble shoe sales and advancing to automobiles. By 1971, he founded The Chagoury Group, later joined by his brother, Ronald. Over the decades, the group grew into a multi-sector conglomerate with interests in construction, real estate, agribusiness, hospitality, and infrastructure projects, including the landmark Eko Atlantic City and Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
Chagoury’s business ventures have significantly influenced Nigeria’s urban and economic landscape. His companies were instrumental in landmark projects like Eko Hotels for FESTAC ’77 and the creation of Eko Atlantic City, built on reclaimed land to combat coastal erosion and flooding. Hitech Construction, part of The Chagoury Group, is now delivering the ambitious 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, demonstrating the company’s capacity for large-scale, technically complex infrastructure development. Despite some controversies over past political associations, Chagoury has remained a central figure in Nigeria’s business and philanthropic scene.
Beyond business, Chagoury is a global philanthropist and patron of the arts. His contributions include supporting education, healthcare, and pandemic relief efforts, such as donating one billion Naira to Lagos State during COVID-19. He has been recognized internationally, receiving honors from Pope John Paul II, the French Government, and UNESCO. His love for the arts is evident in donations to the Louvre Museum, including a six-part 16th-century tapestry displayed in the Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury Gallery.
For Gilbert Chagoury, Nigeria is not just a place of business success but a second home where he has left an indelible mark on the economy, infrastructure, and culture. While his roots trace back to Miziara, Lebanon, his vision, investments, and dedication have helped shape modern Nigeria. From reclaiming land from the Atlantic Ocean to creating world-class infrastructure, Chagoury exemplifies how diaspora connections can foster mutual growth, prosperity, and legacy across continents.
source: westernpost