By Our Reporter
The Federal University, Otuoke (FUO), Bayelsa State, has conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Science (D.Sc) degree in Community Development and Empowerment on Mrs. Esther Matthew Tonlagha, in recognition of her outstanding humanitarian service and commitment to grassroots empowerment.
Mrs. Tonlagha, Founder of the Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation, was honoured during the university’s maiden combined convocation ceremony held on December 8, 2025, at Otuoke.
The award, according to the university, acknowledges her consistent contributions to community development, poverty alleviation and empowerment initiatives across Bayelsa State and beyond.
In a remarkable show of philanthropy, Mrs. Tonlagha announced a donation of N100 million to the Federal University, Otuoke, to support institutional development and academic growth. She expressed profound gratitude to the university management for the honour, describing it as a motivation to do more for humanity.
“I am deeply excited and honoured to receive this Honorary Doctorate Degree from the prestigious Federal University, Otuoke. This recognition will spur me to continue giving my best to society through my foundation,” she said.
She reaffirmed her commitment to community empowerment, stressing that her foundation would remain steadfast in bringing hope and support to underserved communities.
“My foundation will continue to empower our people. Nothing will deter our commitment to community development. I am sincerely grateful to the Federal University, Otuoke, for this honour, and I will not take it for granted,” she added.
Mrs. Tonlagha dedicated the prestigious award to her husband, Engr. Matthew Tonlagha—an oil and gas entrepreneur and engineering expert—and their children, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout her humanitarian journey.
Tributes have continued to pour in following the conferment. The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, described the honour as well-deserved, noting that it reflects Mrs. Tonlagha’s unwavering dedication to community development and empowerment.
Dr. Otuaro commended the management of the Federal University, Otuoke, for recognising what he described as Mrs. Tonlagha’s selfless service, life of sacrifice and remarkable achievements through her foundation.
Similarly, Chief (Mrs.) Blessing Pondi, wife of the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, congratulated Mrs. Tonlagha on the honour, describing it as a recognition of her kindness, compassion and passion for uplifting humanity.
She noted that the award reflects a life dedicated to positively impacting lives and prayed for God’s continued strength and grace upon Mrs. Tonlagha as she continues to inspire hope and happiness in society.
