50th Birthday Anniversary: HAI Celebrates Tonlagha as Patriot

A pro-good governance group, the Hope Alive Initiative, HAI, has saluted philanthropist and businessman Mr Matthew Tonlagha on his 50th birthday, praising him as a patriot, community builder, and visionary entrepreneur who has invested significantly in building a better Nigeria. 

The message is contained in a statement signed by HAI's Director of Press and Communications, Ernest Omoarelojie.

According to the civil society organisation, Tonlagha’s life journey is inspiring and remarkable, having overcome a serious health challenge early in life to build visble and very notable businesses and, more importantly, lifting thousands out of poverty through sustained philanthropic interventions.

“His leadership style, rooted in fairness, inclusion, and responsibility, has guided and elevated communities, enterprises, and national institutions toward stability and growth,” the statement said.

“Through MATON Engineering Nigeria Limited, GAI noted, Tonlagha built a thriving indigenous enterprise that has achieved commercial success and has also created thousands of jobs and nurtured local talent.”

HAI further noted that as Vice Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Tonlagha strengthened his national legacy, particularly with his immense contributions to curbing oil theft, restoring crude production, and helping recover billions in national revenue. The feats, the group added, represent critical interventions that have stabilised the country’s economy. 

HAI emphasised that Beyond business, Tonlagha’s philanthropy reflects deep community values channeled through award of scholarships to hundreds of students, empowerment of widows across the Niger Delta, establishment of vocational training opportunities for thousands of youths, and feeding programmes for vulnerable populations, all of which have improved economic wellbeing and enhanced peace and stability in the region. 

The group also commended Tonlagha as a patriot and a worthy ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The HAI celebrates this true Nigerian leader and patriot, a committed ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who continues to work tirelessly to safeguard critical national assets and ensure optimal oil production,” the statement added. 

“Tonlagha’s patriotism is unalloyed. It is evident in his recent decision to engage the American lobbying firm, Valcour, to interface with U.S. media, the administration of President Donald Trump, and the U.S. Congress in order to strengthen bilateral relations between the United States and Nigeria.

“For an individual to commit the sum of $750,000 over six months in pursuit of national interest, rather than personal gain, demonstrates rare patriotism deserving of commendation.

“The HAI celebrates him and applauds his unwavering love for Nigeria, urging him to continue demonstrating exemplary leadership and commitment to national development.” Signed Ernest Omoarelojie Director of Press and Communications Hope Alive Initiative (HAI), Abuja Thursday, February 12, 2026