…Praises his mother

By Abai Francis

Executive Director of Fenog Nigeria Limited, Engr. Matthew Tonlagha has said that his life is as a result of the grace of God upon him.

He made this remark during the housewarming ceremony for his mother, Deaconess (Mrs) Margaret Tonlagha, at her home town in Oporoza, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta state.

Recounting the series of challenges he and his mother had to undergo because of his condition, Mr. Tonlagha however said his joy was that his mother, unlike others, did not abandon him in his situation which resulted from the administration of fake polio vaccine on him. 

In his words, “At that time, nobody in my family has this kind of disease. In my mother’s side, nobody. In my father’s side, nobody. My mother was accused of witchcraft. I was labeled Ogbanje. But one of the happiest things that I have today, she protected her son.

“She took me to different places all over the country. Is it to the Aladura churches? is it to native doctors? But at the end the head of principalities and powers took over.

“My mother carried me for ten years before I started walking. Even going to primary school, sometimes if there’s no motorcycle to carry me, she would back me. People lose hope. 

“But one thing I was planning in my life, what will I do to this my mother that she will be happy. I started discussing this issue with some of my brothers, my cousins, my wife; of course all of them know.

“My life today is the grace of God. They supported me with prayers. They supported me physically; they supported me with money.”

Mr. Tonlagha, who shed tears of joy, said he was happy to build a home for his mother in her lifetime as he urged her to forgive all those who had offended her in the past.

“One of the reasons why I was crying tears of joy is because today I’m rejoicing. I’m happy that I did not bury her in a new house. I bring her to come and stay here, to have peace, to the glory of God. Today I danced with my mother rejoicing to the glory of God. If I can dance more than David today, I will do it.

“And one of the advice I want to give my mother today, all those challenges you had in the past, forgive everybody today because the day is closer. Where you’re going is closer. You cannot see all these beautiful things in this world here and miss my Father’s house in Heaven. Our Father’s house in Heaven is filled with good things, you cannot compare anything in this world with it.

“Today I appeal to you mother, forget everything. Rejoice to the glory of God. Take everybody as your children, take everybody as your sisters, take everybody as your brothers. This is my advice,” he concluded.

The housewarming ceremony was performed by Pastor E.A. Kalejaiye, Pastor in Charge of Redeemed Christian Church of God, Region 23; and Pastor Paul Ogene of Bread of Life Bible Church amidst guests who graced the occasion.

Among some of the guests present at the ceremony are; Her Royal Majesty, Queen Kathy Ogoba, wife of the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom; Mr Sam Daibo, Area Manager, Chevron Nigeria Limited; his wife, Hon. Princess Daibo, member representing Warri South West constituency I; Chief Ekomieyefa Uduboh, CEO/MD, KFT Place; Chief Kestin Pondi among others.