Oborevwori Celebrates Tonlagha at 50, Describes Him as Model of Service and Resilience
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday praised the Chairman of Maton Engineering Limited, Mr. Matthew Tonlagha, for living a life defined by service, resilience and generosity, saying the impressive turnout at his 50th birthday thanksgiving reflected the positive impact he has made on humanity.
Speaking at the thanksgiving ceremony held in Warri, the governor said the testimonies shared during the celebration were worthy of emulation, noting that the gathering brought together people whose lives had been touched by the celebrant over the years.
“I am particularly happy for you because I know your story. For ten years, you could not walk. That is not a small period. But God sustained you, and He is still sustaining you. God will continue to reward your service to humanity,” Oborevwori said.
The governor observed that Tonlagha’s goodwill had drawn people from across Warri and beyond, with guests in attendance from different parts of the country. He noted that the presence of prominent personalities, clergymen and the novelty football match played in his honour between Bayelsa and Delta States underscored the celebrant’s wide acceptance and influence.
Governor Oborevwori used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to sustaining peace and security in Delta State, stressing that peace remained a top priority of his government.
According to him, the relative peace being enjoyed in the state is the result of collaborative efforts among security agencies, host communities and government-driven engagement programmes aimed at keeping youths meaningfully engaged.
“Peace remains our priority. The security agencies are doing their part, communities are doing their part, and government is also doing its part by engaging our people and taking many off the streets,” he said.
The governor also urged individuals and businesses benefitting from the state to invest locally, assuring them of a safe and enabling environment.
“Anyone who makes money from this state should invest in this state. This land is good. I was born here, raised here, and nothing will happen to anyone who invests here,” he added.
Oborevwori paid glowing tribute to Tonlagha’s wife for her unwavering support, describing her as a dependable partner who stood by her husband during difficult times. He also commended the celebrant’s mother and mother-in-law for their steadfast support, offering prayers for God’s continued blessings upon them.
In his sermon titled “A Worthy Life,” drawn from Psalm 90:12, Pastor Emmanuel Kalejaiye, Continental Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, South-West Nigeria and the Middle East, described a worthy life as one that reverences God and remains a blessing to humanity. He noted that thanksgiving is a public expression of gratitude demonstrated through words and actions.
In his testimony, Mr. Matthew Tonlagha thanked God for the grace to attain the age of 50, describing himself as truly blessed. He paid special tribute to mothers, particularly his own, whom he described as his pillar of strength, and appreciated his wife for her support, noting that their marriage is built on mutual counsel and understanding.
The celebrant concluded by leading the congregation in seven thunderous hallelujahs, thanking God for victory over numerous life challenges, including polio.
