The Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation (EMTF) has made significant strides in empowering lives in the Niger Delta region by transforming the futures of 17 young men and women with essential skills for sustainable livelihoods.
EMTF Graduation Ceremony Marks a New Beginning
On Friday, September 13, 2024, EMTF held its Batch A graduation ceremony at the Jubilee Conference Center in Effurun, Delta State. This event celebrated the successful completion of its free skills acquisition program. The graduates, trained in vocational areas such as catering, cake and event management, makeup artistry, and barbing, were each presented with starter packs valued in the millions of Naira to help them launch their own businesses.
A Mission Rooted in Empowerment
Deaconess (Mrs.) Esther Matthew Tonlagha, founder of EMTF and wife of renowned businessman and Chairman of Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, Mr. Matthew Tonlagha, reaffirmed her foundation’s dedication to transforming lives through practical skill development. In her address, she praised the graduates for their achievements, highlighting their training durations ranging from three to six months and expressing her pride in their accomplishments. Mrs. Tonlagha emphasized that this milestone is just the beginning, encouraging the graduates to continue striving for greatness.
Creating Long-Term Solutions
Mrs. Tonlagha’s vision for EMTF extends beyond mere charity. The foundation aims to address youth unemployment and foster entrepreneurship in the region through skill acquisition and business support. By providing these young individuals with the tools and training needed to succeed, EMTF is not only offering a temporary fix but is investing in long-term solutions to combat unemployment and poverty in the Niger Delta.
Empowering the Graduates
The beneficiaries of EMTF’s program were trained in various trades, including cake and event management, culinary arts, makeup and Gele, and barbing. These vocational programs were designed to equip participants with both technical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge. To facilitate their transition from training to real-world practice, each graduate received a comprehensive starter pack tailored to their specific trade.