A Nigerian philanthropist, Mrs Esther Tonlagha, who recently empowered 41 graduates with money and business starter packs, is to share lessons from her humanitarian service in the United Kingdom.
Tonlagha, the Founder of the Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation, is scheduled discuss her humanitarian journey at the Africa Women Summit UK 2026.
She told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that she would join other accomplished women from diverse backgrounds as a panelist at the summit scheduled to discuss personal struggles and setbacks.
Tonlagha said the the summit would also discuss recovery and empowerment strategies.
Tonlagha will participate in Panel 4 – Shared Experiences: Real Journeys, Real Lessons – focusing on experiences that shaped the participants’ personal and professional journeys.
Her participation will highlight experiences that have shaped more than two decades of her humanitarian service and commitment to empowering women, youths and vulnerable communities.
She is expected to receive an award at the summit in recognition of her contributions to philanthropy, women empowerment, community development and humanitarian service.
The summit is expected to take place on Aug. 15 in London.
At the graduation of 41 beneficiaries of her foundation’s Batch C Skill Acquisition Programme at Effurun, Delta, recently, Tonlagha said that empowerment should go beyond training and giving of certificates.
The philanthropist said that empowerment should create genuine pathways to economic independence for beneficiaries.
Tonlagha said that the success of empowerment programmes should be measured by beneficiaries’ abilities to improve their lives, support others and contribute to their communities.
She said the graduation of the beneficiaries was not just a celebration of completion, but a recognition of courage, growth and transformation.
“This is a seed. Do not sell it. Even if you start small, grow it. Your dreams are achievable,” she said.
She announced one million Naira grant and a business starter pack and equipment for each of the 41 graduates.
Established in 2010, the Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation supports healthcare, education, economic empowerment and community development.
The foundation has sponsored at least 53 university students. It distributes more than 10,000 schoolbags and educational materials annually.
It has also trained 94 women and youths in income-generating skills, while its healthcare interventions have reached more than 5,300 beneficiaries.
The foundation’s community development initiatives include the annual Benikrukru Carnival, which has been organised for 18 consecutive years. (NAN)
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Tags: Africa Women Summit UK Dr Esther Tonlagha philanthropist
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