Advert
IYC Western Zone Information Officer to Lead Digital Skills Bootcamp for Ijaw Youths
By Divine Perezide
The Information Officer of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, Comrade Tare Magbei, has announced plans to organise a two-day digital capacity-building programme targeted at young people across the zone.
The training, titled Media Management, Content Creation and AI Prompting Bootcamp, is scheduled to take place from February 13 to 14, 2026, and is aimed at building practical skills in media, digital communication and emerging technologies for Ijaw youths.
According to the organisers, the bootcamp will focus on strengthening young people’s ability to engage in advocacy, storytelling and community mobilisation through modern media tools.
About 50 participants are expected to benefit from the hands-on sessions, which will also introduce them to viable income-generating opportunities within the media and creative industries.
Beneficiaries will be selected from among Information Officers of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) in the Western Zone, alongside youths drawn from the 24 clans that constitute the zone.
The initiative, being driven by Comrade Magbei, is described as a strategic effort to enhance youth capacity, promote digital relevance and encourage the effective use of technology in today’s rapidly evolving media environment. It is also seen as a timely intervention to improve employability and strengthen advocacy among Ijaw youths across the Western Zone.
By Derick Peretengboro
The Community Liaison Officer (CLO) of Tantita Security Services Limited, Hon. Akpos Seimode, has congratulated the Deputy Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited and Chairman of Maton Engineering Limited, Engr. Matthew Tonlagha, on the occasion of his 50th birthday anniversary.
In a goodwill message released to mark the celebration, Hon. Akpos hailed the business executive, stating: “HAPPY GOLDEN JUBILEE BIRTHDAY, BOSS!”
According to the statement, “The Community Liaison Officer, CLO Tantita, Hon. Akpos Seimode, hails deputy chairman Tantita Security Service Limited, cum chairman Maton engineering LTD, Engr. Matthew Tonlagha on his 50th birthday anniversary.”
Describing the celebrant’s personality and impact, Hon. Akpos said, “Matthew Tonlagha is a humble and distinguished son of the Izon Nation,” while praising his “visionary leadership and philanthropic contributions to society.”
He further noted that the celebrant’s leadership approach remains a source of encouragement to many communities, stressing that “his leadership style continues to inspire hope and unity across communities,” and describing him as “a bridge-builder who leads with humility.”
Hon. Akpos also offered prayers and best wishes to the celebrant, saying he wished him “good health, joy, and continued grace as he celebrates the Golden Jubilee.”
He concluded the message with the words: “Happy birthday once again, boss.”
By Derick Peretengboro
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) and Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Chief (Dr.) Dennis Brutu Otuaro (Ph.D.), has congratulated the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Maton Nigeria Limited, Mr. Mathew Tonlagha, on the occasion of his 50th birthday.
In a goodwill message released to mark the celebration, Otuaro, on behalf of his wife and family, described Tonlagha as a worthy son of the Niger Delta and a committed patriot.
According to the message, he stated: “On behalf of my dearly beloved wife and family, I extend my heartfelt felicitations to my worthy elder brother, friend and mentor, Brother Matthew Oweigha Tonlagha on the occasion of your 50th birthday.”
Describing the celebrant’s professional achievements, Otuaro said Tonlagha is “an accomplished international businessman of Ijaw extraction with viable investments in oil and gas, and engineering solutions cutting across various sectors.”
He further praised his character and leadership qualities, noting that “your remarkable life of humbleness is defined by hard work, tenacity and resilience.”
Highlighting Tonlagha’s commitment to humanity and service, the PAP boss stated: “You believe in service to humanity as the tonic that nourishes the wellbeing of society, and reinforces the essence of life.”
Otuaro also described the celebrant as “an epitome of humility, compassion, empathy, patriotism and philanthropy.”
Commending his role in grassroots development and social support, he added: “You are a pillar of support for community development, youth and women empowerment, as well as the protector of the vulnerable in society. Words fail me to describe all your input to the development of our people and society. That you are a good man is simply stating the obvious.”
Reflecting on the milestone age, Otuaro said, “Attaining the fifth floor is a manifestation of the grace and mercy of God upon your life.”
He concluded his message with prayers and best wishes for the celebrant, saying: “I pray to God to protect you and also grant you good health and longevity with another 50 years. Congratulations! Happy Birthday Sir!”
Mr. Mathew Tonlagha is the MD/CEO of Maton Nigeria Limited and has been widely recognised for his contributions to business development and community advancement in the Niger Delta.
By Divine Perezide
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has congratulated the Chief Executive Officer of Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, Engr. Matthew Tonlagha, on the occasion of his 50th birthday and public presentation of his book.
In a congratulatory letter dated January 23, 2026, and signed by the National Chairman of PANDEF, Amb. (Dr.) Godknows Boladei Igali, the organisation acknowledged the invitation extended to its leadership and conveyed its goodwill to the celebrant.
According to the letter, PANDEF stated: “I acknowledge receipt of the invitation extended to me and the National Executives of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), and convey our warm felicitations on the auspicious occasion of your 50th birthday celebration and Public Presentation of your Book; which happy event comes up on Sunday, February 8, 2026.”
The forum described the milestone as a remarkable journey marked by divine grace and preservation.
“This indeed is no ordinary feat, but the story of God’s unblemished love, grace and faithfulness that has brought you thus far in good health and soundness of mind,” the letter read.
The leadership of PANDEF further expressed gratitude to God for the life of the engineering executive, noting: “We are grateful to God for guarding you so jealously, and preserving your life through thick and thin. We praise His exalted name for He has done great things and it is marvelous in our eyes.”
In its message of goodwill and prayers for the celebrant, the forum said: “Our prayer therefore, is that the Lord Almighty continue to bless and increase you in all things, and may the years to come usher you into greater horizons beyond the imaginations of men; from strength to strength and successes heaped on successes.”
Reaffirming its congratulations on the Golden Jubilee of the Maton Engineering boss, PANDEF added: “Once again, we congratulate you on this special occasion of your Golden Jubilee.”
The letter also cited a biblical passage in encouragement of the celebrant, stating: “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).
The statement concluded by assuring the celebrant of its continued goodwill and presence at the event, saying: “Please accept the assurances of our very true regards even as we look forward to celebrating with you.”
Engr. Matthew Tonlagha is the Chief Executive Officer of Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited and Vice Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, both based in Warri, Delta State.