MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Liberia’s premier awards ceremony, the annual Golden Image Award, convenes in Monrovia this Tuesday, July 21, as part of activities marking the country’s 179th Independence Day celebration.
Organized by the Liberia Crusaders for Peace, the event will continue a 16-year tradition of honoring outstanding individuals and organizations for excellence in leadership, humanitarian service, national development, peacebuilding, arts and culture.
Liberian leader, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, is the Chief Convener of the awards, with Vice President Jeremiah Koung expected to serve as Guest Speaker while House Speaker Richard Koon will be at hand to present the accolades.
As always, the awards recognize both national heroes and international friends and partners whose work continues to impact society and communities.
Key among this year’s international recipients is leading Nigerian Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, Engr. Matthew Tonlagha, whose remarkable rise in the Nigerian Oil and Gas sector has set a new benchmark for industry standards.
He is being honored for not just his leadership in corporate governance but also his impact on society through his humanitarian and community development initiatives.
Due to previously planned engagements, Mr. Tonlagha is unable to come to Liberia, but he has sent a high-level representative, his Principal Secretary, Dr. Jackson Timiyan, to grace the award ceremonies.
Speaking to Journalists upon arrival at the Roberts International Airport in Margibi County Saturday, July 18, Dr. Jackson expressed deep appreciation to the organizers for the warm hospitality. He said it was a great honor to be receiving such a prestigious award on behalf of his Principal.
He described the Golden Image Awards as a ‘call to more responsibility’ that will inspire Engr. Tonlagha to expand his humanitarian work.
“My Principal is a Community Leader. He’s a man who believes that making the world a better place is the embodiment of one’s privileged position and that wealth is nothing until you impact people’s lives by giving much to society,” Jackson added.
Under the leadership of Ambassador Juli Endee, the Golden Image Awards recognize excellence, humanitarian service and contributions to society, things that fit well with Mr. Mathew Tonlagha’s leadership style.
Tonlagha’s recognition at the GIA-26 significantly highlights the role of private sector leaders in fostering regional development and cross-border goodwill in West Africa, cementing the already existing strong ties between Liberia and Nigeria, especially in the areas of business, culture, and philanthropy.
BIOGRAPHY OF MATTHEW TONLAGHA
Matthew Tonlagha is a Nigerian entrepreneur, community leader, philanthropist, and accomplished business executive whose life story reflects resilience, determination, and exceptional leadership.
Born into a military family, Matthew faced serious health challenges at infancy due to ill medication, which affected his ability to walk at an early age. Unlike many of his peers, he was unable to begin primary education early. For about ten years, he was lovingly carried by his mother, even during his early school days. Despite these challenges, Matthew remained focused, courageous, and determined to overcome his limitations.
He began his formal education at Army Children’s School, Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, where he studied from 1984 to 1989 and obtained his First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC). Following his father’s retirement from the Nigerian Army and relocation to Warri in 1991, Matthew was admitted into Ugborikoko Secondary School, Effurun, where he studied from 1991 to 1996 and obtained his Senior Secondary School Certificate (WAEC).
Leadership Journey
Matthew Tonlagha’s leadership qualities became evident during his years at Ugborikoko Secondary School, Effurun. Even with physical limitations, he held several leadership positions and carried out his responsibilities with excellence and dedication.
After completing secondary school in 1996, the death of his father led him to relocate to Benikrukru Community, his ancestral home. There, his leadership abilities quickly came to the forefront. He was elected Public Relations Officer of the Benikrukru Youth Development Movement (BYDM), the apex youth body in the community. In this role, Matthew demonstrated outstanding commitment, integrity, and organizational skill.
His impressive performance earned him the trust and admiration of community leaders, who unanimously presented him to Chevron Nigeria Limited as one of their most competent and reliable representatives in matters concerning the community. This was a rare honour and a remarkable achievement that distinguished him as a young leader of great potential.
Business and Professional Career
Recognizing his competence and passion for community development, Chevron Nigeria Limited initially considered employing Matthew as a Community Relations Officer. However, he was later advised to present a registered company for contract opportunities. Acting on this advice, he submitted EMORIT Nigeria Limited, a company owned by his elder brother in which he was also a shareholder.
Chevron further recommended the need for a technical partner. Through a professional connection, Matthew was introduced to FENOG Nigeria Limited, and their partnership recorded tremendous success. Based on his growing expertise in sourcing and executing contracts, he was later encouraged to register his own company.
This led to the incorporation of MATON Engineering Nigeria Limited with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Under Matthew’s visionary leadership, MATON Engineering Nigeria Limited grew into a reputable organization built to global standards with strong support from Chevron Nigeria Limited.
Today, MATON Engineering Nigeria Limited is one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous companies in the Oil and Gas sector. The company has expanded into Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC), Real Estate, Maritime Services, and Security Services. It plays a strategic role in securing Nigeria’s oil and gas assets across Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Imo, and Akwa Ibom States.
The company is also recognized as one of the highest employers of labour in the Niger Delta region, contributing significantly to economic growth, youth empowerment, and community development.
Philanthropic Life and Social Impact
Beyond his business accomplishments, Matthew Tonlagha is a renowned philanthropist with a deep passion for uplifting humanity. Over the years, he has positively impacted thousands of lives through various humanitarian initiatives.
Through personal and corporate platforms, he has sponsored numerous scholarships for indigent students, provided free feeding programs for the less privileged, organized skills acquisition and vocational training programs, and offered financial empowerment to widows, youths, and vulnerable members of society.
His philanthropic activities have brought hope and opportunities to many families across the Niger Delta and beyond. Matthew strongly believes in giving back to society and creating opportunities for others to succeed, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. His humanitarian contributions have earned him widespread recognition and respect as a compassionate leader committed to the welfare and development of his people. From a childhood marked by severe health challenges to becoming a respected business leader, philanthropist, and community icon, Matthew Tonlagha’s life exemplifies courage, perseverance, and visionary leadership. His inspiring journey continues to motivate many across Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta, where his impact in business, leadership, and humanitarian service remains deeply felt.
Marital and Family Life
Mr. Matthew Tonlagha is happily married to Dcns. (Dr.) Mrs. Esther Ojochide Tonlagha, an indigene of Igala in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria. Their marriage is blessed with three lovely children: Tamarabunugha, Tamaramieyenprede, and Tamaralayefa.