• Empowers 17 Graduates with Skills Training
• Equips them with Starter Packs

By Jacob Brakere Abai

The Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation (EMTF) continues its mission of empowering lives in the Niger Delta region, transforming the futures of 17 young men and women with the skills necessary to create sustainable livelihoods.

On Friday, September 13, 2024, EMTF held its Batch A graduation ceremony at the Jubilee Conference Center in Effurun, Delta State, marking the successful completion of its free skills acquisition program. The graduates, trained in vocational skills such as catering, cake and event management, makeup artistry, and barbing, were presented with starter packs worth millions of Naira to help them launch their own businesses.

The ceremony was not just a celebration of skills but also a powerful statement of hope, as each of the participants now carries with them the tools needed to navigate economic challenges, break free from dependency, and embark on a journey toward self-reliance. This empowerment initiative represents a significant investment in the people of Niger Delta, particularly at a time when economic empowerment remains critical to combating unemployment and poverty.

A Mission Rooted in Empowerment

Deaconess (Mrs.) Esther Matthew Tonlagha, founder of EMTF, and wife of renowned billionaire businessman and Chairman, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, Mr. Matthew Tonlagha, used the occasion to reaffirm her foundation’s commitment to transforming lives through practical skill development. Addressing the crowd at the ceremony, she proudly acknowledged the graduates’ accomplishments, stating, “Some of them were trained for periods ranging from three to six months, and I’m proud of what they’ve achieved. This is just the beginning for them, and I encourage them to continue striving for greatness.”

Her words struck a chord with the graduates and attendees, as the foundation’s efforts to address youth unemployment and foster entrepreneurship have become a source of inspiration for many. Mrs. Tonlagha’s vision for EMTF has always been about more than just charity—it’s about creating long-term solutions to the region’s socio-economic challenges through skill acquisition and business support.

Empowering the Graduates

The beneficiaries of EMTF’s free skills acquisition program were trained in various trades, including cake and event management, culinary arts, makeup and Gele, and barbing. These vocational programs were designed not only to equip participants with technical skills but also to prepare them for the entrepreneurial demands of running their own businesses. To ensure the smooth transition from training to real-world practice, each graduate received a comprehensive starter pack tailored to their trade.

For instance, the makeup and Gele graduates received makeup lights, chairs, and accessories to set up their businesses, while the cake and event management students were given deep freezers, industrial cake mixers, gas cylinders, ovens, and other essential equipment. Culinary graduates, who specialized in catering, were provided with deep freezers, gas cookers, and industrial pots, enabling them to set up full-fledged catering services. These resources, valued in millions of Naira, are instrumental in giving the beneficiaries the head start they need in their chosen fields.

Notably, the barbing students, whose program extends for six months instead of three, will receive their starter kits at the conclusion of their training in December 2024.

Dedication Behind the Program

Coordinators of the EMT Foundation’s skill acquisition program—Frank Onaiwu, Victory Anyebe, and Mrs. Harriet Mayuku—worked diligently to ensure the success of the initiative. Speaking on the foundation’s efforts, Mr. Onaiwu explained, “We provided monthly stipends to the participants to remove any financial burden and ensure their full focus on the training. The foundation also monitored their progress throughout the program, ensuring they had all the support they needed.”

He also commended the dedication of the graduates and the instructors who worked tirelessly to impart their knowledge. “The teachers passed on their skills, and the students performed so well in their practicals. It’s hard to believe they only trained for three months—the quality of their work makes us confident they will become agents of change in their communities,” Onaiwu remarked.

The coordinator highlighted the diversity of the group, with the 17 graduates coming from different ethnic groups across Delta State and beyond, reinforcing EMTF’s mission to empower all, regardless of background or tribe. “This program isn’t limited to any specific tribe; it’s for everyone,” Onaiwu stressed.

Beneficiaries Share Their Gratitude

The impact of the program was made clear through the testimonies of the beneficiaries themselves, who expressed profound gratitude for the opportunities EMTF has provided.

Precious Izenwa, a graduate from the salon services program, conveyed her heartfelt thanks to the foundation. “Thank you very much EMT Foundation, I’m very grateful. We appreciate everything you’ve done. God bless you, God bless Mrs. Mathew Tonlagha, God bless the EMT Foundation. Thank you very much, one love.”

Similarly, Oromoni Preye, a culinary team graduate, spoke passionately about how EMTF had empowered him. “EMT Foundation just set the precedent for me and my team, and we are so grateful. They empowered us, set the standard, and laid the foundation in our lives. God bless them and lift them to greater heights. We pray that they continue to touch more lives, just like they’ve touched mine.”

Naomi Layefa, another culinary team graduate, expressed her deep appreciation for the opportunity. “I want to thank Esther Mathew Tonlagha, our sponsor, for this opportunity. I’m so grateful. With a heart full of gratitude, I thank you, ma. Thank you to Mr. Matthew Tonlagha for making this possible.”

These heartfelt testimonies underscored the life-changing impact of the program, as each of the beneficiaries expressed their determination to build on the skills they acquired to achieve lasting success.

A Bright Future Ahead

For EMT Foundation, this graduation marks yet another step in its journey to empower the youth of the Niger Delta. By equipping individuals with practical skills and providing them with the tools needed to launch their businesses, the foundation is helping to break the cycle of poverty and unemployment in the region.

As Hon. Ebi Tonjoh, former Councilor of Warri South-West Council, put it during the ceremony, “The joy here is something else, and everyone can feel it. The selection process was very transparent, cutting across different tribes and ethnic groups. This isn’t just about one tribe but about everyone, and I’m so happy for the graduates. EMT Foundation is doing something special.”

With 17 graduates now fully equipped to start their own businesses, EMTF has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to uplifting communities through economic empowerment. As the foundation continues to expand its reach, more lives are sure to be touched, and more individuals will be given the opportunity to take control of their futures.

For the graduates, this ceremony was not just an end but the beginning of a new chapter, filled with promise and potential. With the skills they’ve acquired and the resources provided, they are ready to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys, paving the way for a brighter, more prosperous future.

Abai is the Publisher of GbaramatuVoice International
gbaramatuvoice@gmail.com