Vanessa Obioha
captures the highlights of Eko Hotels and Suites’ golden jubilee celebration.
The invitations offered the first hint of the spectacle to come. Written on scrolls and delivered in elegant royal boxes, they reflected months of preparation for what would be a memorable evening. By the time guests received them, the stage had been set for Eko Hotels and Suites to celebrate five decades in the hospitality business in style.
True to its promise, the hotel transformed its Convention Centre into a glittering venue for its 50th anniversary. Blue and gold dominated the decor, running from the entrance hallway into the main hall. Blue curtains divided the hallway into sections, creating an entrance that evoked the grandeur of a ball. The spectacle appealed to more than the eyes. Musicians positioned among folds of fabric serenaded guests with classical music as they made their way into the hall.
Inside, lights danced across the room, while an array of screens illuminated the stage. Although the event kicked-off more than an hour after the scheduled time, guests had been treated to a generous cocktail reception before moving into the hall.
The entertainment began with a male and female dancer on roller skates, who glided across the floor to pulsating beats from the playlist including Elysia Vale’s ‘My Heart.’ A group of staff members followed with a performance of the hotel’s anniversary song. Then came an unexpected musical pairing. General Manager Danny Kioupouroglou took to the piano and joined Managing Director Ghassan Faddoul for a rendition of Frank Sinatra’s iconic ‘My Way.’
The evening was not just about the spectacle. Fifty years in business had given Eko Hotels a place in Lagos’ social and corporate landscape that few hospitality establishments could claim. What began as an accommodation business had evolved into an institution that has hosted presidents and leaders from across Africa and beyond, provided a setting for business meetings and political discussions, and welcomed some of the city’s most prominent social and entertainment gatherings.
Its Convention Centre, in particular, has become a familiar venue for high-profile events. In a city where venue choice often forms part of the statement an occasion seeks to make, Eko Hotels has established itself as a destination for grand-scale celebrations.
That legacy formed part of the anniversary celebration, which doubled as a gala and awards night. The hotel’s Chairman, Christopher Chagoury, acknowledged the people whose contributions had helped sustain the institution over the decades, paying tribute to his father, Gilbert Chagoury, who founded Eko Hotels, and his uncle, Ronald Chagoury.
“Without your trust, your support, and your belief in Eko Hotels, we simply would not be here today,” he said.
Reflecting on the journey, Chagoury added: “For 50 years, Eko Hotels has grown, evolved, and hopefully helped shape hospitality and tourism in Nigeria. And as proud as we are of what we have achieved, we are even more excited about what lies ahead.”
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who attended with his deputy, Femi Hamzat, also paid tribute to the hotel, describing it as an institution that had long been part of the Lagos story.
He highlighted the contribution of the hospitality business to the state’s creative, tourism and entertainment industries, noting the government’s efforts to raise the bar in these sectors as part of its economic development agenda.
The hotel also recognised brands and personalities that had worked with it over the years, including THISDAY Newspaper and Arise News.
Beyond the speeches and awards, the anniversary offered an opportunity to recognise the people responsible for the experience guests have come to associate with the hotel. A theatrical presentation traced its evolution, taking the audience beyond the public face of the institution to aspects of its operations that guests rarely get to see. It highlighted how staff members communicate, learn and work together to deliver services.
As the Manpower Development Manager for the hotel, Mrs Toyin Dada puts it, “When you talk about talents and humans, we have them.”
That celebration of its people continued as dinner approached. The chefs responsible for the evening’s menu, which included a cold cocktail, a hot cocktail, a starter, a main course, dessert and refreshments for the after-party, came out to take a bow.
Hosted by comedian Bovi and actress Osas Ighodaro, the evening also had its share of musical surprises. The biggest came with the appearance of Haitian rapper and singer Wyclef Jean, whose entrance was heralded by the Loud Urban Choir. The choir performed some of his best-known songs such as ‘Two Wrongs,’ including ‘Ready or Not,’ from his days with the Fugees.
Jean first acknowledged his relationship with the hotel before sharing a personal revelation with the audience. His DNA test, he said, had traced some of his ancestry to Nigeria, although he was not yet sure which ethnic group he belonged to.
He later returned to the stage to perform, bringing guests to their feet as they sang along. Flavour also took to the stage, delivering a spirited performance in his trademark charismatic style.
For an institution marking 50 years in a city that has grown and changed around it, the evening was both a celebration of its journey and a sh≠owcase of the glamour that has become part of its appeal.