Matthew Tolangha: A great man, indeed! — by Kola Amzat 

On the first page of The Nation Newspapers of February 05, 2026, was a tribute by President Bola Tinubu (GCFR) aimed at celebrating and felicitating with Engr. Matthew Tonlagha, Chairman, Maton Engineering Company on his 50th Birthday Anniversary Ceremony.    

Even though, the president is accustomed to rejoice and celebrate accomplished Nigerians in diverse fields of endeavors on their birthdays, since his inauguration, many Nigerians, including this writer, were curious why the C-in-C particularly chose to deploy the platform of a whole first page of a national tabloid to rejoice with a Nigerian, who is obviously apolitical, largely unknown, and far lesser in age on his 50th Birthday Anniversary.

Adequate response was provided to the above curiosity when on February 08, 2025, 43 full pages of 72 pages of the same Nation Newspapers were devoted ONLY for celebrating and felicitating the same man, with moving and very touchy tribute messages, enough to draw tears from eyes.

Amongst the distinguished top public office holders who overwhelmed the pages of the Nation Newspapers with their glowing tributes of accolades and acclamation were Senate president, Godswill Akpabio, governors, spread across the country, including Babajide Sanwo-olu of Lagos, Agbu Kefas of Taraba, Duoye Diri of Bayelsa, Farmer governor Bago of Niger, Usman Ododo of Kogi, as well as the key Ministers of the Federal Republic, including Minister of Finance, as well as Minister of State for Finance, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Minister of Youth Development.

The Head of Service of the federation also took her queue, as well as quite a number of Speakers of Houses of Assembly across the country.

In the same league was Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), even though nothing suggests that Mr. Tonlagha is a Lawyer, and Conference of African Journalists.

Top management of Nigerian Banks were not left out. Leading the pack are Tony Elumelu, the indefatigable and visionary Chairman of UBA, CEOs of Fidelity Bank, Jaiz Bank, Premium Trust Bank, Sterling Bank, UBA, Zenith International.

Traditional Rulers across the country also pay tributes to Matthew Tonlagha, and a host of Nigerian men of means that I couldn’t mention for want of space.

Of all distinguished Nigerian men & women who celebrated Mr. Tonlagha, the constant message remains that the celebrant is focused, industrious, consistent, dependable and yet, deeply compassionate, friendly, embodiment of humility, with strength of character, and genuinely humane.

They also reckoned with his philanthropic activities spread across the country, his great vision as an entrepreneur, patriotism as a Nigerian and his contributions to engineering, security across the country, as well as significant and impressive contributions to national development.

It was severally reported that Maton Engineering Ltd numerous project executions are marked with professional excellence, unique touch and ethical standard.

Mr. Tolongha was reported to be undeterred and unbothered in battling and confronting physical challenges and negative situations that dogged his path in his early days, as he brushed them aside to hit stardom in all facets.

 One fact however remains clear: Quite a number of Nigerians don’t know the celebrant until he celebrated his 50th Birthday, a tribute to his absolute humility, unassuming nature, a worthy life of purpose and resourcefulness being lived quietly, providing assistance and help to millions of Nigerians, unannounced.      

 What a life marked with doggedness, fulfillment, dedication and service to humanity, and just 50 years!

No wonder, the whole country recognized him at the appropriate time!

This writer therefore profoundly gives thanks to those who are familiar with his gargantuan exploits in all spheres and paid tributes to him while he’s alive and much younger, instead of waiting till his demise before telling the world who he is.

This contributor also heartily congratulates Mr. Tolangha on his milestone of 50 years birthday celebration and wishes him the best of life, as moves to the other side of 50.

I also encourage him to continue his excellent service with regards to the nation’s infrastructural development and huge security financing, particularly in the Niger Delta, as well as move to a new level in his philanthropic gestures to the generality of Nigerian people, particularly, the downtrodden.

Kola AMZAT (FCA, FCIB),

Lagos based Financial & Management Consultants,

09077509348.