Matthew Tonlagha: Intersection of business success and philanthropy
The golden jubilee birthday celebration of Chairman, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, Mr Matthew Tonlagha again brought to the fore the connection between business growth and social wellbeing. From President Bola
The golden jubilee birthday celebration of Chairman, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, Mr Matthew Tonlagha again brought to the fore the connection between business growth and social wellbeing. From President Bola Tinubu to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other political and economic leaders, the train of encomiums highlighted how private enterprise on the sweat of Tonlagha has truned into a cornerstone of national economic growth and social welfare. Deputy Group Business Editor, Taofik Salako, captures the highpoints of the celebration
The 50th birthday anniversary of Chairman, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, Mr Matthew Tonlagha dominated the headlines these past weeks. It had been weeks of celebration, praises, commissioning, launching and merriment. But more importantly, the activities and the high-profile audience reminded the nation of the vast influence of corporate success on societal wellbeing.
In a message to Tonlagha, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said the golden jubilee of the entrepreneur and philanthropist was milestone celebration of impact, service, and commitment to national development.
In the goodwill message personally signed by President Tinubu, from the State House, Abuja, the President joined Tonlagha’s family, friends, and associates in celebrating the golden jubilee, noting that attaining the age of 50 is a significant personal and professional milestone.
He commended Tonlagha for marking the occasion with the unveiling of a book, describing the initiative as a reflection of his commitment to knowledge, intellectual growth, and documenting experiences for posterity.
“It is fitting that he is unveiling a book as part of the activities to mark his 50th birthday. I commend him for his pursuit of knowledge and chronicling for posterity,” the President said.
The President also acknowledged Tonlagha’s years of dedication to community development and nation building, particularly through his advocacy for the welfare and advancement of Niger Delta communities.
He praised Tonlagha for his contributions to the protection and security of oil and gas infrastructure across several states in the Niger Delta, noting that such efforts are critical to national economic stability.
He encouraged the entrepreneur to sustain and expand his philanthropic initiatives, including support for education and medical services, the provision of scholarships, funding of skill acquisition programmes, and assistance to vulnerable communities across the Niger Delta.
At the high-profile two-in-one birthday fiesta and book launch in Abuja were were former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and several state governors led by the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
Read Also: Senate okays N140bn NCDC budget, seeks priority for agriculture, security
The colourful event also featured the public presentation of the book ‘Forged in the Creeks’, written by Olaokun Soyinka, a biography of Tonlagha.
Speaking at the birthday 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.”
Nigerian Union of Journalists, Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, and Nigerian Youth Council presented celebrant with awards.
Activities marking the weeklong birthday celebration commenced February 2 with a Thanksgiving Service at Redeemed Christian Church of God, Beautiful Gate Mega Parish Warri as well as a novelty football match between Delta and Bayelsa State Houses of Assembly.
At the Mieka Event Centre in Warri where a day of praise tagged “Grace upon Grace” was held, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori extolled Tonlagha’s personal and professional journey, noting that his life story reflects the rewards of hard work, faith, and an unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of others.
Oborevwori said the celebrant’s golden jubilee was not merely an age marked but a testament to the positive impact he has made across communities through philanthropy, enterprise and inclusive engagement.
According to him, numerous testimonies abound regarding Tonlagha’s selfless contributions to humanity, particularly his quiet but consistent support for individuals and communities in need.
He said, “On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate a powerful philanthropist and oil and gas mogul, Mr. Matthew Tonlagha, on his golden jubilee celebrations.
“Your life trajectory is a reminder of the strong connection between faith, the mercy of God, and the blessings that follow hard work and commitment to the true course of humanity.
He prayed for continued good health, wisdom, and greater accomplishments for Engr Matthew Tonlagha, urging him to sustain his passion for philanthropy and mentorship, particularly for young people seeking pathways to productive livelihoods
Earlier, 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 at a ceremony to handover the rehabilitated healthcare centre, 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.
Engr. Michael Tonlagha said the project was undertaken to reflect his brother’s values.
He said: “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 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 said.
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 the Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation (EMTF) 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.
