Tonlagha Urges More Support For Vulnerable Nigerians After UK Award

The chief executive officer of the Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation (EMT Foundation), Pastor Mrs Esther Tonlagha, has said many Nigerians continue to face difficult circumstances, adding that more needs to be done to support vulnerable people across the country.

Tonlagha spoke at the Africa Women Summit (AWS) UK Conference 2026, held on Saturday at the Hilton Croydon, United Kingdom, where she was recognised among the Top 100 Reputable Women of African Descent, 2026, and also spoke on a panel.

The conference, themed “Her Power, Her Purpose, Her Platform,” discussed women’s leadership, empowerment and their role in driving positive change.

Speaking about the work of her foundation, Tonlagha said the EMT Foundation was established on the belief that everyone deserved the opportunity to live with dignity, hope and a better future. She said the foundation’s work focused on supporting vulnerable people through service, empowerment, education, healthcare, community development and humanitarian assistance.

She said acts of kindness could lead to broader change, noting that helping individuals contributed to strengthening the country as a whole.

“When we help a child, support a family, empower a woman, assist a community, or give hope to someone who feels forgotten, we are contributing to a stronger Nigeria,” she said.

Tonlagha said there was still much work to be done to reach more people in need, adding that she remained committed to continuing the foundation’s interventions.

“There is still much work to be done, and this recognition strengthens our determination to continue,” she said.

She said her goal was to see communities where people had access to support and opportunities, and where vulnerable individuals were not left behind.

Tonlagha thanked her team, volunteers, partners and supporters for their role in the foundation’s work, and commended the resilience of the communities the foundation serves.

She called for continued support for humanitarian work in Nigeria.