Joyce Onwuka
Humanitarian, philanthropist and corporate leader, Pastor Mrs Esther Ojochide Tonlagha, will share her journey of resilience, empowerment and community transformation as a panelist at the Africa Women Summit UK 2026, where she will also receive an award for her contributions to humanity.
Mrs Tonlagha will participate in Panel 4, titled “Shared Experiences: Real Journeys, Real Lessons,” alongside accomplished women from diverse backgrounds. The session will explore personal struggles, setbacks, starting over, support systems and lessons learned from difficult seasons.
Her participation will provide an opportunity to reflect on the experiences that have shaped her more than two decades of humanitarian service and her commitment to empowering women, youths and vulnerable communities.
Speaking recently at the graduation of 41 beneficiaries of the Batch C Skill Acquisition Programme of the Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation (EMT Foundation) in Effurun, Delta State, Mrs Tonlagha said empowerment must go beyond training and certificates to create genuine pathways to economic independence.
“This is not just a celebration of completion, but a recognition of courage, growth and transformation,” she told the beneficiaries.
She challenged them to protect and grow the opportunities they had received, saying, “This is a seed. Do not sell it. Even if you start small, grow it. Your dreams are valid and achievable.”
Mrs Tonlagha said the true value of empowerment would be measured by how beneficiaries apply their skills to improve their lives, support others and contribute to their communities.
At the graduation, she announced a N1 million grant for each of the 41 graduates, alongside starter packs and equipment to help them establish businesses.
Established in 2010, the EMT Foundation focuses on healthcare, education, economic empowerment and community development. It has sponsored at least 53 university students, distributes more than 10,000 school bags and educational materials annually, and has trained 94 women and youths in income-generating skills.
Its healthcare interventions have reached more than 5,300 beneficiaries, while its community development activities include the annual Benikrukru Carnival, organised for 18 consecutive years.
At the summit, Mrs Tonlagha is expected to draw from these experiences while addressing questions around resilience, adversity, rebuilding and the lessons that shaped her journey.
Her award will recognise her contributions to philanthropy, women’s empowerment, community development and humanitarian service.