Former IYC Spokesman Princewill Extols Victor Tonlagha at 50
By Ndu Samuel
The immediate past Spokesman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Amb. Binebai Yerin Princewill, has extolled renowned Niger Delta personality and businessman, Sir Victor Tonlagha, on the occasion of his 50th golden jubilee birthday, describing him as a force to reckon with whose contributions to human development, community advancement and the growth of the Niger Delta remain worthy of celebration.
Princewill, in a goodwill message to commemorate the milestone, described Tonlagha as a man of exceptional generosity, humility and compassion, whose impact on the lives of many people across the Niger Delta extends beyond his public profile and business accomplishments.
He noted that attaining the age of 50 is not merely a celebration of longevity but an opportunity to reflect on a life of purpose, service, sacrifice and meaningful contributions to society, adding that Tonlagha has distinguished himself as a personality who understands the importance of lifting others and creating opportunities for people to thrive.
According to Princewill, Tonlagha’s benevolence has touched numerous lives, with his willingness to assist people, support worthy causes and extend a helping hand to those in need reflecting the character of a man who values humanity above personal recognition.
He said the celebrant’s generosity is particularly commendable because he has remained accessible and connected to ordinary people despite his status, business achievements and growing influence.
Princewill observed that one of Tonlagha’s most admirable qualities is his humility and refusal to allow success to distance him from the people around him. He described the celebrant as a man who does not discriminate against people on the basis of their background, social standing or personal circumstances, but treats people with respect, warmth and a genuine sense of brotherhood.
The former IYC spokesman noted that such qualities are increasingly important in a society where influence and material success can sometimes create barriers between individuals and their communities.
He described Tonlagha as an elder brother who has demonstrated, through his disposition and acts of kindness, that true greatness is measured not only by what a person possesses but also by the lives he touches, the burdens he helps to ease and the opportunities he creates for others.
Binebai also acknowledged that he had personally benefited from Tonlagha’s benevolence, expressing gratitude for the celebrant’s kindness and support. He said his personal experience had reinforced his appreciation of Tonlagha as a dependable and compassionate individual who understands the value of standing by others.
According to him, Tonlagha’s generosity is not simply about giving material assistance but also about making people feel valued, encouraging them to pursue their aspirations and demonstrating that genuine brotherhood remains an essential part of the Niger Delta’s communal heritage.
Speaking on Tonlagha’s place in the Niger Delta struggle for liberation and development, Princewill described him as a quiet contributor whose support for the aspirations of the people deserves recognition.
He noted that the Niger Delta struggle has been sustained over the years not only by those who speak publicly, lead protests or occupy prominent positions, but also by individuals who provide support behind the scenes, encourage those on the frontlines and contribute in ways that strengthen the collective pursuit of justice, equity, environmental protection and regional development.
Yerin said Tonlagha represents the importance of such silent contributions, stressing that the struggle for a better Niger Delta requires individuals who understand that meaningful change depends on collective responsibility, solidarity and the willingness to support the people.
He added that the region needs more successful individuals who remain conscious of their roots and committed to the welfare, dignity and aspirations of their people, irrespective of their personal accomplishments.
The former IYC spokesman further commended Tonlagha for maintaining a disposition that reflects humility and respect for others, describing these qualities as essential attributes of an elder statesman and a responsible community figure.
He expressed the hope that the celebrant’s golden jubilee would usher in an even more remarkable chapter of life, greater accomplishments and renewed opportunities to contribute to the development of the Niger Delta and humanity at large.
Binebai prayed for God’s continued protection over Tonlagha, wishing him long life, sound health, peace of mind, prosperity and abundant blessings. He also prayed for the expansion of the celebrant’s business empire, greater commercial opportunities, sustained success and the wisdom to continue building enterprises that create value and positively impact lives.
He further prayed that Tonlagha would enjoy many more fruitful decades, surrounded by love, loyal friends, family members and beneficiaries whose lives have been positively influenced by his generosity.
“As you celebrate your 50th golden jubilee, my prayer is that God will preserve your life, strengthen you with sound health, enlarge your coast and bless the works of your hands. May your business empire continue to expand, may greater opportunities locate you, and may you enjoy the rewards of your labour in peace, prosperity and fulfilment.
“You have touched lives in ways that may never be fully captured in public accounts, and I am personally grateful to have benefited from your benevolence. Your humility, accessibility and non-discriminatory disposition distinguish you as an elder brother who understands that the greatest legacy is the positive impact we make on the lives of others,” Princewill said.
He urged Tonlagha to remain steadfast in his commitment to humanity, noting that his golden jubilee offers another opportunity to deepen his contributions to the Niger Delta and inspire younger generations to embrace generosity, humility, service and collective progress.
Princewill concluded by describing Sir Victor Tonlagha’s 50th birthday as a celebration of life, experience, achievement and the enduring value of human kindness, expressing confidence that the years ahead would bring the celebrant greater accomplishments and more opportunities to make a lasting difference.
He wished him a happy 50th golden jubilee birthday, praying that the new chapter would be marked by divine favour, sound health, long life, prosperity and an ever-expanding capacity to uplift humanity.
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