OTUARO HAILS ESTHER MATTHEW TONLAGHA FOUNDATION BOSS ON CONFERMENT WITH HONORARY DOCTORATE DEGREE
OTUARO HAILS ESTHER MATTHEW TONLAGHA FOUNDATION BOSS ON CONFERMENT WITH HONORARY DOCTORATE DEGREE
By Dr Odimientimi Agbedeyi
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, has extended warm congratulations to the Founder of the Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation, Mrs Esther Tonlagha, following her conferment with an Honorary Doctorate of Science (D.Sc) Degree in Community Development and Empowerment by the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State.
Mrs Tonlagha received the prestigious honour during the maiden combined convocation ceremonies of the Federal University, Otuoke, held on December 8, 2025, at the university’s main campus in Otuoke. The award was bestowed in recognition of her outstanding, consistent, and impactful contributions to community development and empowerment across the Niger Delta region and beyond.
Mrs Tonlagha is the wife of Engr. Matthew Tonlagha, a renowned Ijaw businessman with notable investments spanning the oil and gas sector, engineering solutions, and other critical areas of Nigeria’s economy. Beyond her family background, Mrs Tonlagha has distinguished herself through years of selfless humanitarian service, particularly through the Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation, which has touched countless lives at the grassroots level.
Reacting to the honour, Dr Otuaro described the award as a fitting recognition of a life dedicated to service, noting that Mrs Tonlagha’s commitment to uplifting communities reflects uncommon compassion, vision, and sacrifice. He stated that the honorary doctorate stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication to empowering the vulnerable and promoting sustainable community development.
The PAP Administrator further described Mrs Tonlagha as “an amazon and a philanthropist with a large heart”, whose passion for humanity has earned her admiration across the Niger Delta and beyond. According to him, her interventions and charitable initiatives have continued to inspire hope, restore dignity, and promote inclusive growth in underserved communities.
Dr Otuaro noted that the honour was well-deserved, judging by Mrs Tonlagha’s impressive antecedents and track record of impactful service. He expressed optimism that the recognition would further motivate her to expand her humanitarian footprint and deepen her commitment to societal development.
He also observed that it was no surprise that Mrs Tonlagha, whom he described as a devout Christian, has consistently prioritized the service of humanity, reflecting values of compassion, love, and sacrifice in her engagements.
In addition, Dr Otuaro commended the management of the Federal University, Otuoke, for identifying and celebrating Mrs Tonlagha’s selfless service, remarkable achievements, and the commendable work of her foundation. He described the university’s action as a bold affirmation of the importance of recognizing individuals who contribute meaningfully to national and community development outside formal political office.
The conferment of the honorary doctorate on Mrs Esther Tonlagha has been widely welcomed as a powerful acknowledgment of the role of private citizens and non-governmental initiatives in driving sustainable development and empowering communities in the Niger Delta region.
Source: Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Press Release
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