Wealth creation is the process of growing one’s financial resources over time, it also involves building assets and income streams to achieve long-term financial goals and ensure financial security.
Ultimately, wealth creation – through various strategies like saving, investing, and making smart financial decisions – is about more than just accumulating money; it’s about building a foundation for a comfortable and secure future.
“You don’t have to be rich to start a business. You just need focus, humility, and the right relationships. Not every business starts with money, sometimes, relationships are your starting capital,” said Blessing Pondi, CEO, Emomel Multi-Concept Investment Limited at the graduation of students of the Esther Matthew Tonlagha (EMT) Niger Delta Youth Empowerment Programme.
At the event, Esther Matthew Tonlagha, founder of the programme urged the graduating students to put the skills they have acquired to productive use in order to create wealth for themselves, their families, and their communities. She described the occasion as more than a celebration of certificates earned, but a recognition of journeys undertaken, skills mastered, and futures transformed.
“Social media is a great tool, but if you’re not skilled in using it yet, start with your neighbours and family friends. They can recommend you to others, and recommendations are powerful in business. Above all, good behaviour is essential. You cannot run a business successfully if you have a bad attitude.
“Even if you sell the best products, customers won’t return if your character is poor. On the other hand, your good attitude can attract customers to you even to the point where they pay you in advance,” Pondi further said during the Batch B graduation ceremony held last weekend in Warri.
It was a 3-month programme for cake and events, 6 months programme for saloon services and a 1-year programme for fashion and design. Thirty-six (36) people graduated in cake & events, fashion design, makeup & gele, culinary and saloon services.
The basic materials start up equipment distributed to the graduating students are Culinary – Generator, Deep freezer, oven, 10kg cake mixer, 12.5kg gas cylinder, cash gift of N500,000 each and more. For the cake & event graduates, they got: generators, deep freezers, 10kg cake mixer, ovens, N500,000 cash gift and mor. For graduates of makeup & gele, they got: full makeup kits, makeup chair, lashes table and light, lashes machine, N500,000 cash gift and more.
Modality for enrolling in the programme is open ballot, but the students go through screening by the EMT foundation team, for the team to be double sure that they truly need the skills and will use them to better their own lives and society in general.
The Batch C will kick off between September 6-10, 2025. It is open for everyone to apply and after that the team will conclude on how many students to train this batch. The EMT foundation team usually seek for the best skill acquisition school in the central area of the city, for accessibility for every student and making sure as well they learn well. The EMT foundation has been in the business of changing lives for more than 8 years now. But, officially started operation with the team December 6, 2023.
According to Tonlagha, “You have dedicated time, energy and heart to learning the art of culinary excellence, cake making, event planning and the cultural beauty of gele styling. These are not just skills but they are tools of empowerment. Tools that can transform not only your own lives but also the lives of those around you.
“You have chosen growth and with that choice, you have planted seeds of possibility. Whether you go on to start a business, support your family or teach others what you have learned, always remember your hands now carry the power to build something meaningful.
“This is just the beginning, keep learning and stay curious. Let your creativity flow. Do not be afraid to take up space, your talent deserves a place in the world. Congratulations once again. We are proud of you, we believe in you and we can’t wait to see what you will do next”, she stated.
The EMT Founder commended the teachers and support team for their guidance and encouragement adding that their passion in impacting knowledge has lit a fire that will continue to burn in the graduates long after today.
“Let your creativity flow, teach others what you have learnt. Be very courageous as you go along, when you make mistakes learn from them and get better. Your talents deserve a place in the world, the sky is your starting point, go and change your world,” she added.
In a goodwill message, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Dennis Guwor expressed his delight as he extended his warm congratulations to EMT Foundation on the laudable occasion marking the graduation of the Batch B skills empowerment programme.
Represented by Ambrose Omafuwe, Guwor said the event is not only a celebration of academic and vocational achievement, but also a powerful expression of hope, dignity, social transformation and economic emancipation for the indigent and less privileged in the society.
He said, “Over the years, EMT foundation has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to empowering lives, building capacities and restoring communities through numerous philanthropic interventions ranging from infrastructural development, health care delivery, vocational training and empowerment programmes.
“We recall with pride the foundation’s free medical outreaches to the creek communities and most recently the renovation and equipping of the Okenrekonko cottage hospital, the provision of modern medical tools and qualified personnel for the provision of 24/7 healthcare delivery is a remarkable gesture that continues to benefit the people immensely.
Guwor said the milestone further affirms the clear and purposeful vision of EMT Foundation, which aligns seamlessly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, adding that the strategic intervention by the Foundation stands as a commendable example of how private sector partnership can support government efforts to uplift communities and drive sustainable growth and development.
“To the graduating students, today marks a new beginning. The skills you have acquired are not just tools for personal advancement but also tools for social transformation. EMT Foundation has not only given you fish to eat, but has taught you how to fish and has equipped you with the tools to thrive. I urge you to go forth with courage, creativity, and diligence and let your set be a shining testament to the value of hard work and the grace of opportunity. Above all, be true ambassadors of the EMT Foundation.
“To Mrs. Esther Mathhew Tonlagha and the entire EMT Foundation team, your passion for people and your vision for the entire Niger Delta region are both inspirational and exemplary. May God bless you, bless your efforts, enlarge your reach and multiply your impact.
“May this ceremony usher in greater testimonies of success and may EMT Foundation continue to pioneer such strides in other strategic initiatives and may it mark a progressive turning point in the lives of the graduates,” he added.
