TheLEGEND I am profoundly grateful to Almighty God for the gift of life and grace, and for the privilege of marking my 50th birthday, an occasion that was further enriched by the public presentation of my biography, Forged in the Creeks:
The Extraordinary Rise of Mathew Tonlagha.
I wish to most sincerely thank His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for the warm goodwill message.
https://independent.ng/pandef-felicitates-tonlagha-at-50-describes-life-as-testament-of-gods-grace/
His kind words and fatherly encouragement are deeply appreciated and will remain cherished.
I am equally grateful to His Excellency, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, whose presence and support added great honour and meaning to the event. I thank him for his kindness and encouragement. Mbana sir.
My heartfelt appreciation also goes to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for his attendance and kind words, as well as to other leaders and members of the National Assembly, whose support and solidarity I do not take for granted.
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/dafinone-hails-tonlagha-at-50-praises-patriotism-philanthropy/
The presence of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, added colour to the event and is greatly appreciated.
https://www.thelegendng.com/2026/02/engr-matthew-tonlagha-at-50-golden-life.html?m=1
I am equally grateful to the Executive Governors who honoured me with their presence:
HE Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State)
HE Col. Agbu Kefas (Rtd.) (Taraba State)
HE Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo (Kogi State)
HE Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State)
Special thanks to Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka for the kind words in his goodwill message, and to Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, the head of service, who was physically present.
Also, I thank the Speakers and members of the various Houses of Assembly, other senior govemment officials, the captains of industry, labour leaders, and heads of professional associations who joined us. Your support remains invaluable.
I am also grateful to the Pere of Gbaramatu kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, Agadagba, and other traditional rulers who travelled from across the country to stand with me
My appreciation extends to the various organising committees that worked tirelessly to ensure the seamless hosting of the Abuja main event, as well as the commemorative gatherings in Warri, and Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State, and London, United Kingdom.
Your dedication and attention to detail were evident in every aspect of the celebrations.
lowe a special debt of gratitude to Dr Olaokun Soyinka, the author of "Forged in the Creeks" and Ouida Books, the publishers, for painstakingly documenting my joumey with depth and empathy. I am humbled by the scholarship brought to telling my story.
To my schoolmates, friends, associates, well-wishers, and all those who travelled from near and far to celebrate with me, I say thank you. Your presence, prayers, and goodwill mean a lot to me.
Above all, I thank my wife, Mrs Esther Tonlagha, children, and extended family for their love, sacrifices, and steadfast support. Your support through the years made this
"Extraordinary Rise" possible.
May God bless you all.
Amb. Dew Jemima Wilson š
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