Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, has extended warm and heartfelt felicitations to Engr. Matthew Tonlagha, Chairman of Maton Engineering Limited, as he celebrates his 50th birthday milestone.
In a personal congratulatory message released on the occasion, the senator described Tonlagha’s attainment of the golden jubilee as a powerful testimony to divine grace, purposeful living, and an extraordinary commitment to the progress and wellbeing of the people of the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.
“Your reaching this golden jubilee is a testament to the grace of God and a life lived with intentionality, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of our people,” Senator Dafinone stated.
He particularly commended Tonlagha’s distinguished professional journey, which combines technical excellence with deep-rooted patriotism. As a leading stakeholder in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, Tonlagha has consistently demonstrated exemplary dedication to peace-building, community engagement, and the promotion of regional stability—qualities that have earned him widespread respect across ethnic, political, and community lines.
Senator Dafinone highlighted the profound impact of Tonlagha’s philanthropic efforts, noting that his interventions have served as a vital lifeline for many vulnerable individuals and communities. Through consistent acts of generosity—often carried out quietly and without seeking public acclaim—Tonlagha has embodied a rare spirit of selflessness and genuine empathy for the underserved.
“You have proven that true leadership is measured not by titles or accolades, but by the number of lives uplifted and the legacies of kindness established along the way,” the senator wrote.
Engr. Matthew Tonlagha is widely recognized as one of the Niger Delta’s most successful indigenous entrepreneurs. As Chairman of Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, a fully Nigerian-owned company established in 2000, he has built a multidisciplinary enterprise that delivers engineering, procurement, construction (EPC), pipeline services, fabrication, maritime logistics, real estate development, and security solutions to the oil and gas industry and beyond.
Headquartered in Warri, Delta State, Maton Engineering has become a major employer and capacity builder in the region, providing thousands of direct and indirect jobs while offering critical skills training and empowerment opportunities for young people. Tonlagha’s leadership has positioned the company as a reliable partner in national infrastructure development and a model of indigenous participation in the energy sector.
His broader contributions include co-founding the Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation (EMT Foundation) with his wife, Dr. Esther Ojochide Tonlagha. The foundation focuses on education scholarships, vocational training, health interventions, widow empowerment, and community feeding programs—initiatives that have touched countless lives across Delta State and the wider Niger Delta.
Tonlagha’s influence extends to security and strategic sectors, where he serves as Vice-Chairman of Tantita Security Services, a key player in pipeline protection and maritime security in the region. His work has helped reduce illegal bunkering, safeguard critical national assets, and foster collaboration between communities, security agencies, and industry stakeholders.
Senator Dafinone’s tribute reflects a growing recognition among political leaders of the vital role private-sector patriots like Tonlagha play in driving economic inclusion, social stability, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta. His approach—combining business success with social responsibility—has been cited as a blueprint for how indigenous entrepreneurs can contribute meaningfully to national unity and progress.
Looking ahead, Senator Dafinone offered prayers and best wishes for the celebrant’s future.
“As you enter this new chapter of your life, I pray that the Almighty grants you increased wisdom, divine health, and the strength to continue your noble work,” he said. “May your contributions to the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large continue to flourish, and may your future be filled with the same grace and distinction that have characterized your first fifty years.”
The birthday celebrations for Engr. Matthew Tonlagha have drawn widespread participation from political leaders, traditional rulers, community stakeholders, business associates, and beneficiaries of his generosity across Delta State and beyond. Thanksgiving services, praise events, and public gatherings in Warri and surrounding communities have underscored the deep appreciation for his life and legacy.
Senator Ede Dafinone’s message adds to a chorus of tributes from across the political spectrum, reinforcing Tonlagha’s reputation as a bridge-builder, a maker of men, and a committed son of the Niger Delta whose impact transcends personal achievement.
As he begins his next fifty years, Engr. Matthew Tonlagha remains a shining example of how faith, hard work, strategic vision, and compassion can converge to create lasting value for individuals, communities, and the nation.
