High-profile dignitaries and thousands of Nigerians on Sunday showered encomiums on Mr. Matthew Tonlagha as he marked his 50th birthday in Abuja.
The colourful event also featured the public presentation of the book Forged in the Creeks, written by Olaokun Soyinka.
Among those in attendance were former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and several state governors led by the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
Speaking at the event, Senator Akpabio lauded Tonlagha for his contributions to the Niger Delta in particular and Nigeria in general.
Akpabio, who unveiled the book, said: “Your life’s journey has consistently reflected vision, discipline and an unwavering commitment to high standards—qualities that have not only defined your leadership but have continued to inspire many within and beyond your professional sphere.
“Your contributions to enterprise, community development and national growth stand as enduring testimonies to a life of committed progress and excellence,” he added.
In his remarks, former President Goodluck Jonathan described Tonlagha as a visionary who worked diligently to achieve his dreams.
He said: “Turning fifty is a significant milestone—one that offers the opportunity to reflect on a life of purpose, impact and service. Your journey as an entrepreneur and patriot exemplifies the virtues of resilience and commitment to national development.
“Through Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, you have demonstrated how indigenous enterprises can contribute meaningfully to economic growth, job creation and capacity development in Nigeria.”
Celebrant was presented with awards by Nigerian Union of Journalists, Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, Nigerian Youth Council
Last wee, the Oboro Primary Healthcare Centre in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State was rehabilitated and fully equipped by prominent Niger Delta philanthropist Engr. Michael Tonlagha, in honour of the 50th birthday of his brother, Mr. Matthew Tonlagha, Chairman of Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited.
The renovated facility was formally unveiled and inaugurated on Friday, drawing political leaders, community stakeholders, and business figures who described the intervention as a major boost to healthcare delivery in the riverine community.
In his opening address, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Adowei Binebai, described the project as a divine response to the prayers of the Oboro people. He commended the Tonlagha brothers for their timely intervention and also praised the Community Chairman, Mr. Tarebi Sele-ebi, for his perseverance in ensuring the project became a reality.
Speaking during the inauguration, Engr. Michael Tonlagha said the project was undertaken to reflect his brother’s values.
“By the grace of God, this project was completed within ten months, and all the medical equipment in the facility was generously donated by my brother’s wife,” he said.
He urged residents to protect the facility and ensure it is put to effective use.
Former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi, lauded the Tonlagha family for its extensive philanthropic footprint across the Niger Delta and congratulated Matthew Tonlagha on his 50th birthday, wishing him good health and greater accomplishments.
Also speaking, the Delta State Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Godknows Angele, conveyed the appreciation of the Delta State Government to the Tonlagha family, describing the project as a significant contribution to healthcare delivery. He urged the Burutu Local Government Council to ensure the effective operation and maintenance of the facility.
“On behalf of the Delta State Government, I commend the Tonlagha Dynasty for the renovation and equipping of the Oboro Primary Healthcare Centre. This achievement reflects a genuine commitment to human development and community wellbeing,” Angele stated.
The inauguration of the Oboro Primary Healthcare Centre formed part of activities marking Matthew Tonlagha’s 50th birthday, providing improved access to primary healthcare services for residents of the riverine Oboro community.
Only recently, as part of activities marking the 50th birthday celebration of Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation donated a bus to Ugborikoko Secondary School in Delta state.
Speaking at the event, Deaconess Dr. Esther Matthew Tonlagha, founder of EMTF, explained that education remains a powerful tool for shaping the future, adding that investing in young people is the surest way to build strong communities.
According to her, “this donation is in honour of the 50th birthday of my husband, Mr. Matthew Tonlagha who attended this school. The foundation chose to mark not with fanfare alone, but with a meaningful gift that would directly support students and teachers”.
“My husband attended this school and we are happy to be here today because this school is part of his success story. We are using a milestone celebration to create a lasting impact on education and community development”.
The school’s principal, Mr. Irhirhi Masson Ufuoma, described the donation as timely and transformative, noting that it would immediately improve school operations and student engagement beyond the classroom.
For the school, Ufuoma said the bus represents a solution to long-standing transportation challenges that have limited participation in academic trips, inter-school competitions, and extracurricular activities. With the new addition, opportunities once out of reach are now within reach.
Students welcomed the bus with excitement, while teachers and community leaders praised the foundation for turning a personal celebration into a shared blessing.
Over the years, the Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation has remained committed to supporting education, health, and empowerment initiatives across Delta State, and the donation to Ugborikoko Secondary School further reflects its vision of building sustainable impact through purposeful giving.
