In an age when the elderly often fade into the forgotten margins of society, one man and one foundation have chosen to remember. If there’s any vibrant humanitarian force transforming lives in the Epe Division today, it is the Thani Oladunjoye Older People Foundation (TOOPF), a sanctuary of hope founded in 2021 by the advertising icon, Mr. Tunde Thani, whose compassion has touched over 2,000 elderly citizens across Epe, Lagos State, and beyond.
At the recently concluded Epe Professional Women Association (EPWA) 10th anniversary, Mr. Tunde Thani, the President of the prestigious Ivory League of Progress received an award that symbolized more than personal recognition. It celebrated a partnership built on compassion, service, and shared humanity. Beyond the plaques, camera flashes and camaraderie, it’s safe to say that the presentation of that award paints an imagery of partnership to serve humanity which has existed between both EPWA and the Thani Oladunjoye Older People Foundation.
The meeting of both NGOs is nothing short of remarkable as their alignment as two humanitarian forces transform lives.
For years, EPWA has championed the cause of women and the girl-child, equipping them with tools, scholarships, mentorship, and a vision of self-reliance. Their upcoming Vocational Training Centre stands as a testament to their commitment to empowerment. On the other hand, Mr. Thani’s foundation devotes its strength and resources to the welfare of senior citizens; the “almost forgotten tribe in any society,” as he aptly described.
“You see these old people,” he said with emotion-laden sincerity, “they’re the almost forgotten tribe in any society. When the government is preparing their budget, they hardly remember old people and that’s why you see a lot of them in solitude.”
TOOPF’s compassion has led to impactful interventions, sponsoring eye surgeries, physiotherapy sessions, medication drives, and welfare programs for the elderly. With EPWA on the ground, they form a humanitarian synergy that bridges generations: one nurturing the aged, the other empowering the young.
To understand Mr. Tunde Thani, a former Vice Chairman and Member in Council of Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), is to understand a man whose success in advertising never dulled his human touch. With over 35 years of excellence in Nigeria’s marketing communications industry, the founder and CEO of Explicit Communications Limited has managed major brands across FMCG, healthcare, banking, and public sectors. Yet, he insists, “I got to know this association when we were launching the Thani Oladunjoye Old People Foundation in Epe and ever since then, I have been committed to them.”
Born into the Thani Oladunjoye family of Epe, Mr. Thani holds both B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, graduating with distinction. His story is one of grit, grace, and gratitude; from his early days at CentreSpread to founding Explicit Communications in 1995 “through sheer faith and resilience.”
But it’s outside the boardroom, among Epe’s elderly, that his heart beats loudest. His Old People Foundation stands as a tribute to his late parents and a living testament to his belief that every human being, regardless of age, deserves dignity.
“I’ve been itching to run back to Lagos because of my engagement,” he admitted at the EPWA event, smiling, “but when I heard this association is celebrating their 10th anniversary, I had to come.” It wasn’t just a courtesy call; it was a reaffirmation of a shared mission.
In his heartfelt message to the EPWA women, he said, “Please, I want to implore you to keep doing what you’re doing. The reward is coming, people may not see you now. You’re tasking yourselves, empowering people, taking care of the young people. You’re planting a seed and you’ll reap what you sow in numerous ways that will catch you by surprise.”
His words mirrored the conviction of a man who lives what he preaches; planting seeds of kindness that ripple beyond Epe’s borders. It is no wonder he bears the chieftaincy title of Arobarayo of Ogidi Land in Kogi State and has been decorated with the Legend of Advertising Award alongside six others in Nigeria as well as the University of Lagos Distinguished Alumni award.
The partnership may be double, it’s anchored on one purpose. While EPWA uplifts women and the girl-child, TOOPF restores dignity to the elderly, both driven by compassion, both rooted in Epe. Together, they remind us that true development begins not with profit, but with people.
In the words of the legend who embodies that truth:
“Help me appreciate this wonderful association, they were the first group who came to donate to the Thani Oladunjoye Older People Foundation.”
Indeed, in a society often too busy to care, Mr. Tunde Thani and the women of EPWA stand as proof that empathy still lives; and that in Epe, humanity still has a heartbeat.
