Oil and Gas Executive Recognised for Philanthropy, Humanitarian Service and Corporate Leadership
Nigerian oil and gas industry leader and philanthropist, Mr. Matthew Tonlagha, has been honoured with two international awards at the Golden Image Awards held in Monrovia, Liberia.
Tonlagha received the Global Philanthropist Award and the Nollywood Humanitarian International Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to humanitarian service, corporate leadership, community development and Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
The awards ceremony took place on Tuesday, July 21, as part of activities marking Liberia’s 179th Independence Day Anniversary. The event celebrated distinguished individuals and organisations for their exceptional contributions to leadership, peacebuilding, national development, humanitarian service, arts and culture.
According to the organisers, Tonlagha was recognised for his achievements as Chairman of MATON Engineering Nigeria Limited and for his long-standing commitment to improving the lives of people through various humanitarian initiatives across the Niger Delta.
The Golden Image Awards, organised by the Liberia Crusaders for Peace, has, for the past 16 years, honoured national heroes, international partners and influential leaders whose contributions have positively impacted society. Liberia’s President, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, served as the Chief Convener of this year’s ceremony, while Vice President Jeremiah Koung was expected to deliver the keynote address.
Unable to attend due to prior official engagements, Tonlagha was represented at the ceremony by his Principal Secretary, Dr. Jackson Timiyan, who received the awards on his behalf.
Speaking shortly after arriving at the Roberts International Airport in Margibi County, Dr. Timiyan expressed appreciation to the organisers for recognising Tonlagha’s contributions and for the warm reception extended to the Nigerian delegation.
He described the awards as a motivation for greater service to humanity.
> “My Principal is a community leader. He believes that making the world a better place is the true essence of privilege and that wealth only becomes meaningful when it positively impacts the lives of others through service and generosity,” Timiyan said.
Beyond his business interests, Tonlagha has earned recognition for supporting educational scholarships for indigent students, skills acquisition programmes, youth empowerment initiatives, free feeding schemes, and financial assistance for widows and vulnerable families across several communities.
As Chairman of MATON Engineering Nigeria Limited, Tonlagha has led one of Nigeria’s indigenous engineering companies with operations spanning engineering, procurement, construction, real estate, maritime and security services.
Observers say the twin international honours further underscore the growing role of Nigerian private-sector leaders in advancing humanitarian causes, fostering regional development and strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties between Nigeria and Liberia through business, philanthropy and social impact.
The awards have attracted congratulations from business associates, community leaders and well-wishers, who described the recognition as a testament to Tonlagha’s commitment to corporate excellence and humanitarian service.
