Stakeholders have lauded businessman and Chairman of Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, Matthew Tonlagha, for his commitment to community development in the Niger Delta region as he marked his 50th birthday.
The commendations came at Tonlagha’s birthday celebration in Abuja on Sunday, which also featured the public presentation of the book ‘Forged in the Creeks’, written by Olaokun Soyinka.
The colourful event drew high-profile dignitaries and thousands of Nigerians.
Among those in attendance were former President Goodluck Jonathan; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Peremobowei Ebebi; and the Delta State Commissioner for Housing, Godknows Angele, among others.
According to a Thursday statement, while speaking at the event, 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.
Former President Jonathan described Tonlagha as a visionary entrepreneur and patriot.
He said, ‘Turning 50 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’.
As part of activities marking the milestone, the Oboro Primary Healthcare Centre in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State was rehabilitated and fully equipped by Michael Tonlagha in honour of his brother.
The facility was unveiled on Friday in the presence of political leaders, business figures and community stakeholders, who described the intervention as a major boost to healthcare delivery in the riverine community.
The chairman of the occasion, Chief Adowei Binebai, described the project as a divine response to the prayers of the Oboro people and commended both the Tonlagha brothers and Community Chairman, Tarebi Sele-ebi, for their roles in its completion.
One of the dignitaries, Godknows Angele, conveyed the appreciation of the Delta State Government, stating, ‘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’.
In the education sector, the Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation donated a bus to Ugborikoko Secondary School in Delta State to mark the celebration.
The founder of the foundation, Dr Esther Tonlagha, explained that ‘the 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’.
