Bayelsa, Delta Assemblies Clash in Novelty Match to Honour Tonlagha at 50 ~ Truth Reporters

The Bayelsa and Delta State Houses of Assembly on Saturday locked horns in a novelty football match in Warri, Delta State, as part of activities marking the 50th birthday anniversary of Chairman of Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, Mr. Mathew Tonlagha.

The fun-filled encounter, played at the SPDC Edjeba premises, brought together lawmakers from both states in a colourful display of sportsmanship, unity and camaraderie. Speakers of the two Assemblies, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor of Delta State and Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere of Bayelsa State, captained their respective teams.

After regulation time ended in a draw, the visiting Bayelsa State House of Assembly team emerged victorious, winning 5–3 on penalties.

The match attracted top government officials, friends and associates of the celebrant, as well as sports enthusiasts from Bayelsa and Delta states. Also in attendance were the Speakers of the Anambra and Edo State Houses of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze and Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbomian, among other dignitaries.

Speaking after the match, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Guwor, expressed delight at celebrating Mr. Tonlagha through a unifying sports event, describing him as a pride of the Niger Delta and a philanthropist of note.

“I am delighted to have, together with my colleagues from Delta and Bayelsa states, celebrated my big uncle, Mr. Mathew Tonlagha’s 50th birthday in such a grand sports event. It is in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the nation,” Guwor said.

He praised Tonlagha’s commitment to growth, development and empowerment, noting that his impact cuts across communities in the Niger Delta. Guwor added that the novelty match further strengthened the long-standing bond between Bayelsa and Delta states.

In his remarks, Bayelsa State Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, described the celebrant’s achievements as a reflection of his vision, character and dedication to regional development.

“Mr. Tonlagha’s achievements are a testament to his character and vision. We are honoured to be part of this celebration and to acknowledge his immense contributions to the development of the Niger Delta,” Ingobere said, while wishing him many more years of success and impact.

The wife of the celebrant, Mrs. Esther Tonlagha, expressed appreciation to the two State Houses of Assembly for the honour accorded her husband, describing the novelty match as a memorable highlight of the golden jubilee celebration.

“Attaining the age of 50 is a significant milestone. The novelty football match was very special and interesting, with both teams giving it their all. I am happy that my husband was so honoured by lawmakers who stand for peace and good governance in our society,” she said.

The novelty football match was part of a series of activities lined up for Mr. Tonlagha’s 50th birthday celebration, which also includes a birthday praise day in Warri and a book presentation in his honour.

Mr. Mathew Tonlagha, a renowned entrepreneur, industrialist and philanthropist, is a major player in the oil and gas sector. He is the Chairman of Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited and will officially mark his golden jubilee on Sunday, February 8, 2026.