The Delborough Lagos has been honoured with exceptional double awards as “Best New Luxury African Hospitality Brand” and “Best Luxury Lifestyle Boutique Hotel – Nigeria & Africa” at the globally renowned Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards 2025.
The Seven Star Awards reward brands that exemplify excellence, innovation, and sustained impact in the international luxury hospitality industry.
The Delborough Lagos earned the two distinguished awards at the grand celebration of luxury recently held in Tróia, Portugal, where its Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu, was also honoured with the award of “Seven Stars Man of the Year” and inducted into the “Seven Stars Pantheon of Hospitality” in recognition of his excellent and visionary leadership in the African hospitality industry.
The Delborough Lagos is a luxury destination in Africa — a place where over 16 former and serving Presidents of different nations, world leaders, and royals, including Prince Harry and Meghan, have stayed and endorsed for other elites.
Recently, it attracted and hosted the global fashion brand, Angelo Galasso, to unveil its luxury collections for the first time in Africa.
Speaking on the awards, The Delborough Lagos General Manager (GM), Emanuele Secondo, in his acceptance speech, expressed satisfaction with the recognition and assured of the management’s commitment to maintaining excellence.
“We are proud to receive these awards. It is a testament to our commitment to excellence, innovation, and luxury at The Delborough Lagos. We will continue to work harder to sustain the standard in making Africa proud,” he said.
From Street Hawker to Hotel Magnate
Recall that the CEO of Delborough Lagos hotel, Uzochukwu, recently shared the story of his humble beginnings as an Oshaya boy—a street hawker—in Orile market, Lagos.
Reflecting on his early struggles and the transformative power of faith, Uzochukwu revealed that he spent his youth hawking perfumes and shirts, often sleeping in market stalls due to a lack of accommodation.
In a viral video circulating online, the entrepreneur narrated how a benefactor changed his life 22 years ago, describing the encounter as a turning point. While he did not disclose the benefactor’s identity or the nature of the help received, he credited the individual with saving his life.
“I used to be an Oshaya boy in Orile market,” Uzochukwu said in the video, using the local term for street hawkers. “I hawked perfumes and packet shirts. God used this man to save my life 22 years ago, and today I am here to be a blessing to his life.”
Today, Uzochukwu’s success is symbolised by Delborough Lagos, a world-class luxury hotel located in Victoria Island, Lagos. His journey from street hawker to billionaire entrepreneur has inspired many Nigerians, offering hope amid widespread economic hardship.
The video has sparked discussions online about social mobility, mentorship, and the power of gratitude. Many viewers expressed admiration for Uzochukwu’s determination and his willingness to honour the person who once helped him.
Although details about his benefactor remain undisclosed, Uzochukwu’s story continues to resonate as a testament to resilience, divine providence, and the life-changing impact of compassion.
