In a remarkable display of compassion and philanthropy, the Thani-Oladunjoye Older People Care Centre (TOOPC) in Epe has once again brought hope and restoration to the lives of older persons.
On Thursday, April 30, 2026, twenty selected beneficiaries of the Centre underwent eye surgeries at Steksons Eye Centre, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, with procedures valued at millions of naira. The initiative has positively transformed the vision of all recipients, some of whom had lived in darkness for decades.
The impact was felt profoundly on Friday, May 1, 2026, when the plasters were removed and their eyes carefully cleaned. Many beneficiaries, who had long struggled with impaired vision, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the management and staff of the Centre. They lauded the team for “always giving them adequate care and still taking it upon themselves to go beyond the walls of the Centre by taking them out to end any health challenge that cannot be handled at the Centre, which the Eye Surgery was one of such.”
“I lost my sight 30 years ago and I have visited General Hospitals so many times, but each time they told me, they would have to perform surgery on my two eyes which were defected, I usually ran away from the hospital. I’m from Ondo State, so I would run to my state and I spent a year there sometimes just to avoid the surgery”
However, here at Thani-Oladunjoye Older People Care Centre, I released myself for the surgery, because of the trust I have in this centre due to the way we are being treated and taken care of by both the management and all the staff here. They always care for us like their biological parents, I have not seen this kind of thing anywhere before. I am very grateful to God and to them, because I can now see clearly with my two eyes again. My prayer is that, they will never experience darkness and God will reward them abundantly,” Mrs. Florence Ayanwale revealed.
“For six years now I couldn’t see, but after the surgery on my eyes, I can now see again. I want to appreciate the management for channeling resources towards the good health and well-being of those of us who are older ones. This is a programme that government is supposed to run, but an individual has taken it upon himself to do it. I know it involves a lot of funds, I pray that God will keep protecting and blessing him. This his kind gesture is rare in this country, I therefore appeal to well-meaning individuals and organisations to emulate him or partner with him,” Mrs. Felicia stated.
“I have been to many places to get my eyes opened, including UCH, Ibadan, but everything I did to regain my sight proved abortive. Today, through this Thani-Oladunjoye Older People Care Centre, I now have my sight back after many years in darkness; I thank God for this great opportunity and I will be eternally grateful to this centre for doing this for us free of charge, despite the fact that, at every clinic, they give us drugs, meals and do proper check-ups for us as well. Other people who are financially buoyant should emulate this kind project and they will see the hand of God in their lives,” Pa. John Aderinola Asabiyi revealed.
The beneficiaries openly and emphatically commended the management and staff for their unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for older persons, particularly at a time when governments at all levels have yet to implement specialized care programs for the elderly.
According to the Convener of the Foundation, Mr. Tunde Thani, TOOPC, despite its location in Epe, has since its establishment, intervened in the social and medical welfare of over 2,000 older persons across Nigeria, proving that consistent care and philanthropy can truly illuminate lives long shadowed by neglect and health challenges.
