HOW ENGR. MATTHEW TONLAGHA, PRINCE OF GBARAMATU KINGDOM SHUTDOWN ABUJA FOR 50 YEARS BIRTHDAY
By DENNIS OTU
Like he did in the oil-rich of Warri on Monday, February 2nd, 2026 at the Praise Day to kick start the celebration of his 50th, he did also in Abuja. The celebration of Engr. Matthew Tonlagha in the Federal Capital Territory on Sunday, February 8th, 2026 was massive, awesome and amazing. So many people streamed from all parts of the world to the International Conference Center, Abuja, venue of the great celebration to honour a great man from the Creeks of the Niger Delta Region. The ceremony attracted array of people and the hall had overflow for a Prince of Gbaramatu Kingdom that has touched millions of lives positively.
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The event to celebrate Engr. Matthew Tonlagha, Managing Director of Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited started at 2pm was attended by who is who in the world. He is loved by the people and they were all there to celebrate a man who has impacted so many lives positively. The truth of the matter is that Engr. Matthew Tonlagha shutdown the FCT. Former President Goodluck Jonathan was there. Both serving and former Governors were in attendance. Traditional rulers from across the country honoured him. Both serving and former senators were there for him. What about Expatriates? Yes, they never missed out of the Earthquake like celebration. Lawmakers from House of Representatives and Houses of Assembly were there for a man who has brought hope to so many hopeless people. His dear mother was there, same with his wife and lovely children.The list is endless. Infact, people came from far and near to celebrate a man who is always smiling, full of joy and always ready to give a helping hand. You don’t meet Engr Matthew Tonlagha without having a good story to tell. His doors are open to all and there are no doors he cannot knock out.
On Sunday, February 8th ( His real date of birth) all national dailies smiled to the Banks as Adverts were placed in all of them by well wishers across the globe to celebrate a man of uncommon value. All those who spoke at the ceremony lauded him for everything he has been doing for humanity.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan said that; “Let me appreciate the Senate President that is here himself and Speaker represented by my good friend, and let me appreciate all the governors here, members of the National Assembly, our Royal Fathers, very senior citizens of Nigeria. It’s a pleasure for me to be here today to celebrate Matthew and his wife on this special occasion of Golden Age and the Book launch”.
The former President added that; “My dear brother, Matthew Tonlagha has done so well especially for someone from this disadvantaged area like the Niger Delta Region”.
“Life has taught us a lesson and the younger ones should emulate him. Just as the emphasis you must struggle, you must have a determination and you must always look forward for the one you had the vision, for your community and the vision for yourself and through determination and hardwork, you will be able to achieve that. Look at the array of people here, it is not easy to gather these calibre of people to celebrate somebody, it shows clearly just like there is a very common statement in the South East that when the young man washes his hands very well, he can eat with Kings”, he said.
According to the Former President; “He has washed his hands very well, he is a humble person because I have be relating with him over the years. He has the strong will and determination to succeed, and that is why this hall is filled”.
“In those days, they will say men of timber and calibre. We thank you for what you have been doing for society. You have been helping a lot of people, the ones you know and the ones you don’t know, just carry on with that philanthropic job. I will join every other person, the older people, to continue to pray for you to succeed and to grow from height to height.
I thank you all for coming to celebrate my wonderful friend, Matthew. Thank you and Godbless You”, former President Goodluck Jonathan said.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State said that; “At 50, you have garnered a lifetime of success and accomplishments, an eloguent testimony to your clear sense of purpose, industry, visionary leadership, and entrepreneurial prowess. Truely, you stood out as a beacon of hope and an inspiration to the younger generation, that with hard work, determination, courage, and a compelling desire to succeed, they can attain the highest heights in life”.
“I note with pleasure that you are a great humanitarian, always willing to share your wealth with the poor and vulnerable. I applaud your philanthropy not just in your community of Benikrukru in Gbaramatu Kingdom, but also in the entire Niger Delta Region. Testimonies abound of the countless lives that have been impacted and uplifted through your generosity. As you celebrate this milestone, I pray that God will enlarge your coasts and enable you to reach many more lives to the glory of God and the benefit of humanity”, the Governor said.
Senator Douye Diri, Bayelsa State Governor said that; ” I am delighted to join many well wishers in extending warm congratulations on this momentous milestone. Fifty years is the prime of life and I am confident that with the right balance of experience and vitality you will soar to greater heights. I pray that God, in His grace and mercies, will continue to uplift and prosper you in every way”.
The Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo stated that; “On behalf of the Government and the good people of Kogi State, I warmly congratulate you as you mark your 50th birthday, a golden milestone that celebrates not just the passage of time, but a life of purpose, compassion, and exceptional service to humanity.
This landmark moment provides a fitting opportunity to honour your remarkable contributions to national development, youth empowerment, and inclusive economic growth. Through your visionary leadership of Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, you have not only built a thriving enterprise, but also built lives, restored hope, and opened doors of opportunity for countless Nigerians across length and breadth of our country
I must also place on record my deep personal and official appreciation for your unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in our vision during the electioneering period in Kogi State. Your support was not ordinary, it was international, strategic and deeply inspiring. It helped in no small measure to birth an administration that is today changing the face of Kogi State through people-centered governance, infrastructural renewal, institutional reforms, and a renewed social contract with our citizens”.
Former Governor of Delta State, Senator, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa stated in a goodwill message that; “My Dear brother, on the occasion of your 50th birthday, we mark not simply the passage of time, but the depth of influence those years have borne. Your journey speaks of vision tempered by diligence and leadership refined through service. Your excellence in the worlds of business and engineering has set worthy standards, while your philanthropy reflects a heart devoted not only to progress, but to people”.
At Fifty, you stand at a noble crossroads,enriched by experience, anchored in wisdom, and still propelled by purpose. May the years ahead crown your labour with deeper fulfillment, your leadership with enduring legacy, and your path with strength, clarity, and peace.
Happy 50th birthday to an industrialist, entrepreneur, and builder of structure and of lives, a man whose influence continues to shape the future. May your light continue to shine ever brighter”.
Former Administrator of the Presidential Admnesty Programme, Barrister Kingsley Kuku said that; “I want to thank God for the gift of life for my brother. Fortunately for me, Matthew and I are February born. I have welcomed him to the fifth floor, I have been here before a few years ahead of him. He is my younger brother, I am very proud of him, not just proud of him. He is our symbol of hope. Matthew represents the power of God. Matthew represents the supremacy of God over humanity. Matthew life from birth till this day, his fifty years on on earth represent God greatness, God’s wonderful hands upon any human being he chooses to bless. So I join millions of Nigerians, .particularly the Ijaw Nation to bless God for his life, to thank God for all HE has done for him and through him for humanity. Happy Birthday, Congratulations my brother. You are welcome to the 50th floor”.
In a goodwill message, Alfred Mulade said that; ” This season of your birthday is a stepping stone to becoming a greater you. I am excited to witness your brilliance unfold, making a fresh chance to evolve into an even more amazing version of yourself, that shines as brightly as you do, filled with laughter, love, and all the beautiful moments in-between, that Yahweh has offered”.
Stella Erhuvwuoghene Okotete said that; “On Sunday I cleared my schedule to celebrate an icon of hope in Nigeria..
Celebrating Mr. Matthew Tonlagha at 50 with his beautiful family was more than a birthday or book launch, —it was a quiet lesson in service, humility, and love for humanity.
Mr. Matthew is one of those rare souls whose life speaks louder than words. A humble man, deeply rooted in peace, unity, and charity, he gives without noise and leads without ego. His daily life is a testament to the truth that greatness is found in service to others and “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” because “A life lived for humanity is a life that truly counts.”
At 50, his legacy is already visible—in the lives he has touched, the bridges he has built, and the kindness he shows effortlessly to all around him.
Happy Golden Jubilee, Mr. Matthew.
May the years ahead bring renewed strength, deeper impact, and endless peace.
Your life is a blessing, and your journey continues to inspire Us all.
His wife, Mrs Esther Tonlagha said that; I want to thank God for this day. I want to appreciate God for His love, His protection, for His kindness, over my husband, Matthew Tonlagha. I want to thank God for how far HE has brought him. I met him when he was 27 years and today we are celebrating 50. God has actually be faithful to him, to us. He is my everything, he is my friend, my supporter. He is my helper, my partner. Thank you for all you do! Thank you for making yourself available, thank you for helping me, for helping everyone around you. It is my prayer that God will continue to keep you. You will eat the fruit of your labour. God will give you long life in good health. I know you will be a Governor if Jesus tarry. God bless you. Thank you.
Today, my Mum also has a Commissioner because of him, I want everyone here to help me appreciate my husband , a great man. I want everyone here to help me thank him for me. Kiode Sir! Thank you Sir, thank you, thank you. God bless you”.
A book, “Forged In The Creeks, The Extraordinary Rise of Matthew Tonlagha was presented at the Colourful ceremony.
This Is My Story— Engr. Matthew Tonlagha
Billionaire businessman and Chief Executive Officer of Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, Mr. Matthew Tonlagha, recently stunned guests at his 50th birthday celebration with an emotional revelation about an expired polio vaccine administered to him as an infant, which almost crippled him.
Tonlagha, a philanthropist and indigene of Gbaramatu in Delta State, revealed that the incident that occurred when he was three months old shaped his life’s journey, as well as allowing his mum to face humiliation and rejection by those around her.
Speaking during a praise and worship session to mark his 50th birthday at Effurun in Uvwie, Delta State, Tonlagha traced his story back to his earliest days, describing how, three months after his birth, he was given an expired polio vaccine at Omolola Hospital in Ilorin, Kwara State.
“When my mother gave birth to me, after three months, they gave me an expired polio vaccine,” he said, adding, “That is what I’m facing today.”
The consequence, he explained, went beyond physical challenges, but triggered rejection, directed not only at him, but painfully at his mother.
“My mother was rejected. Everybody rejected my mother,” Tonlagha told the hushed audience. “But God stood behind her.”
Fighting back emotion at an event attended by Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon.Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and captains of industry, the Maton Engineering boss made it clear that his golden jubilee was not a personal triumph alone, but a celebration of resilience, motherhood, and faith.
“If there’s anybody we are celebrating here today apart from God,” he said, “this celebration should go to my mother. My mother, today, you have won the battle.”
Tonlagha credited his survival and eventual success to unwavering maternal support and deep Christian faith, insisting that abandonment by society did not translate to abandonment by God.
“Is Jesus not victory?” he asked rhetorically, drawing resounding affirmation from the crowd.
He described his life as living proof of divine restoration, declaring openly, “I have joy. Jesus is my joy today, and Jesus is my joy forever.”
Beyond his personal story, Tonlagha used the occasion to emphasize the irreplaceable role of mothers in shaping destinies.
“If everybody rejects you, there’s no way your mother will throw you away,” he said, urging the audience to rise and applaud mothers. The hall responded with a standing ovation.
Reflecting on later struggles, including resistance during his marriage process, Tonlagha maintained that destiny, once ordained, cannot be overturned.
“God had already prepared the destiny, and nobody can stop it,” he said.
Quoting scripture, he personalized Psalm 23, stating boldly, “When you say God prepared a table before me in the presence of my enemies, it is talking about Matthew Tonlagha.”
“When you say ‘blessed,’ I am a blessed child,” he declared. “It is because of the belief of Christ that’s why I’m succeeding. Nothing apart from Christ”, the billionaire businessman added.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, FEBRUARY 12TH 2026)
