Pastor Mrs Esther Tonlagha, CEO of the Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation (EMT Foundation), has received a Top 100 Reputable Women of African Descent, 2026 honour for her humanitarian service and community development work.
Tonlagha received the recognition at the Africa Women Summit (AWS) UK Conference 2026 on Saturday at Hilton Croydon, United Kingdom.
She also served as a panel speaker at the conference.
Themed “Her Power, Her Purpose, Her Platform,” the event brought together women, leaders, partners and other stakeholders.
They discussed women’s leadership, empowerment, purpose and their role in driving positive change.
In her acceptance speech, Tonlagha said the recognition meant a great deal to her and the foundation.
She stressed that it represented more than the work of one person or organisation, saying the honour reflected lives touched and communities welcomed.
She also credited the team, volunteers, partners and supporters who contributed to the foundation’s work.
“On behalf of the Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation, I am deeply honoured to receive this award for Humanitarian Service in Nigeria,” she said.
Tonlagha said the EMT Foundation was founded on the belief that everyone deserves dignity, hope and a better future.
She said its mission focuses on supporting vulnerable people and creating meaningful change.
The foundation carries out work in service, empowerment, education, healthcare, community development and humanitarian assistance.
Tonlagha noted that many Nigerians still face difficult circumstances, stressing that acts of kindness could create wider positive change.
“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 dedicated the recognition to her team, volunteers, partners and supporters. She also dedicated it to the people and communities served by the foundation.
She described their strength and resilience as an inspiration to expand the foundation’s work.
However, she said the award was not only an honour but also a responsibility.
“I accept this award not only as an honour, but also as a responsibility—a responsibility to do more, reach more people, create more opportunities, and continue serving humanity with compassion and purpose,” she said.
Tonlagha said the recognition had strengthened her resolve to continue the foundation’s work.
“There is still much work to be done, and this recognition strengthens our determination to continue,” she added.
Tonlagha said her vision was to support communities where people could access opportunities and vulnerable individuals would not be forgotten.
Her role as a panel speaker gave her an international platform to discuss women’s leadership, purpose and the use of platforms to create social impact.
The honour and conference appearance highlight Tonlagha’s growing involvement in humanitarian and women-focused initiatives.
The EMT Foundation serves as a platform for interventions aimed at improving lives and strengthening communities.
Tonlagha thanked the organisers for recognising the foundation’s humanitarian efforts.
She also prayed for continued support for its mission, the foundation and Nigeria.
External Links
Africa Women Summit official website
Hilton Croydon official website
