By Our Reporter
The Federal University, Utuoke has honored Mrs Esther Tonlagha over his magnanimous and humanitarian disposition to communities with an Honorary Doctorate of Science, (DSc) Degree in community development and Empowerment.
Mrs Tonlagha is the wife of an oil and gas mogul , Engr Mathew Tonlagha and also an accomplished and successful business tycoon.
Mrs Tonlagha, the founder of “Esther Mathew Tonlagha Foundation ” was bestowed with the award in recognition of her supports to community development, and empowerment.
She was honored during the maiden combined convoction ceremony held on December 8,2025, at Utuoke, Bayelsa State.
She promised to continue to contribute her quota to the development of Bayelsa State, the country at large .
While using the opportunity to donate 100M to the institution, she expressed gratitude and excitement over the singular honor , while promising more contributions to the development of the ivory tower .
Excerpts from the event …
“The wife of Engr. Matthew Tonlagha, an accomplished businessman with huge investments in oil and gas, and engineering solutions in various sectors, Mrs Esther Tonlagha has bagged an Honorary Doctorate of Science (D.Sc) Degree in Community Development and Empowerment from the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State.”
“Mrs Esther Tonlagha who is the Founder of Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation was presented with the award in recognition of her exceptional contributions to community development and empowerment.”
“According to our Correspondent, she bagged the award during the maiden combined convocation ceremonies of the university held on 8 December, 2025 at Otuoke in Bayelsa State.”
“An elated Mrs Esther Matthew Tonlagha, speaking shortly after she was presented with the award, said it was going to spur her to continue to do more for humanity.”
“Mrs Esther Matthew Tonlagha who donated N100M to the Federal University, Otuoke, said that; ” I am so excited today with this Honorary Doctorate Degree from the prestigious Federal University, Otuoke.
“This award that I have just received is going to motivate me to continue to do my best our society. I will not relent in my efforts of bringing joy to our people through my Foundation”.
“My Foundation will continue to give empowerment to our people. Nothing is going to make us look the other way in our commitment and dedication to community development. We will continue to be there for our people. I am indebted in gratitude to the Federal University Otuoke for this honour done me today and I will not take it for granted”, she said.
“Meanwhile, praises have been pouring in for in Mrs Esther Matthew Tonlagha on her Honorary Doctorate Degree from the Federal University Otuoke.”
“In his congratulatory message, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, noted that the honour was a testament to Mrs Tonlagha’s unwavering commitment and dedication to community development and empowerment through her foundation.”
“Otuaro described the honour as well-deserved as shown by her bold antecedents, and expressed the hope that it would motivate her to do more for society.”
“He said he is not surprised that Mrs Tonlagha, a devout Christian, has given due priority to the service of humanity.*
“The PAP Administrator also lauded the management of Federal University, Otuoke, for recognizing Mrs Tonlagha’s selfless service, life of sacrifice, remarkable achievements, and the commendable work of her foundation.*
“Also, Chief (Mrs) Blessing Pondi, wife of the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, has congratulated the Founder of EMT Foundation, Dr. Esther Matthew Tonlagha, on her conferment of an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Community Development by the Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State.*
*In her congratulatory message, Chief (Mrs) Pondi described the honour as a recognition of Dr. Tonlagha’s kindness, love for humanity, and selfless contributions to community development and societal empowerment.”
“She noted that the award reflects a life dedicated to positively impacting lives and bringing hope to many.”
“Chief (Mrs) Pondi further prayed for God’s continued strength and empowerment for Dr. Tonlagha as she rises higher and remains a channel of happiness and inspiration to humanity.*
