Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, former Nigeria Minister of State for Defence
By Babatunde Kaka
EKO HOT BLOG reports that friends and associates of Tunde Thani, on Thursday 6th January 2022, commended the Philanthropist for immortalising his parents with the Thani-Oladunjoye Old People Care Center he built for the elderly in Epe.
A former minister of State for Defence and former Lagos State Gubernatorial candidate, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro in his address at the commissioning commended Tunde Thani for establishing the facility for the good people of the Epe division.
Former Minister for State for Defence, Senator Musliu Obanikoro flanked by Mr Tunde Thani, his wife and other guests at the event
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“When he told me about what he was doing here, I can not but come and lend my support to today’s extraordinary project. This is why other citizens of not only Epe but citizens of everywhere must take a cue from this laudable project.
“This extraordinary man is a lesson in itself in perseverance, selflessness, hard work and generosity. Thani’s humility is excessive in every sense of it, as well as his commitment to his community. I’m not just talking about Epe, whether it is a religious community, whether it is a social community, whether it is a civic community, any community that he on his own volition joined, he will always give all,” he said.
Senator Obanikoro disclosed that aside from being a brother and friend, Tunde Thani is his mentor, as he has to learn from his good deeds; since learning was a life-long process.
In his remarks, the member, representing Epe Constituency I at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Abiodun Mustain Tobun praised Tunde Thani whom he met over two decades ago for conceiving such a massive idea to immortalise his parents by erecting such a classic facility for the Old people.
He related how Tunde Thani helped his political ambition, describing him as a detribalised personality despite the age-long dichotomy sweeping across the town.
“I met him about 20 years ago and he’s been like that. And he has been a very good brother to me. I must say that he is one of those who nurtured me, that is the truth. When I started this project of the House of Assembly, I am bold to say that he is one single individual who supported me from the beginning till today. You will agree with me that he is a detribalised person, he doesn’t care if you’re Eko or Ijebu Epe, once you’re from Epe, you are his brother.
“For him to have thought of it, he has conceptualised the idea, not today, not for five years. He was able to pursue it with his sincere mind, vigour, sincere dedication and he was able to manoeuvre himself to achieve it. I want to thank God so dearly for giving our brother the enablement to be able to put this down in our community. This is a beautiful edifice, this is what would pass those houses in Lekki axis that we can call a prime area in Lagos State,” he applauded.
Hon Tobun further disclosed that such a gesture was a challenge to everyone especially those in positions of government in the community. He said the onus is on the citizens of Epe to emulate such philanthropic gesture, stressing that a non-indigene has supported the project with the donation of 2 ambulances and pharmaceutical products.
“Those of us in business should follow suit even when we are not making money from the Government,” he stressed.
The Special Guest of Honour at the commissioning, Managing Director of Green Life Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Dr Peter Nwosu, represented by Derrick Osondu, disclosed donated two ambulances to the centre with medical aids.
He stressed that the Old people must be catered for and emphasised their commitment to the well being of all, both the old and young.
Similarly, the Aremo of Epe Kingdom, Otunba T.J Abass, who in his speech praised the Thani-Oladunjoye family, particularly Tunde Thani, described him as a reputable personality with a large heart whose concern for humanity was extraordinary and altruistic.
“This is an unprecedented spirit of altruism in our community. It has never happened like this before, for somebody to put up this beautiful edifice in Epe, to provide for and make life meaningful for the less privileged in our community. This is a new approach towards discharging our civic responsibility.
“The elderly are treasures to any community and they must be celebrated because they have sacrificed a lot for us. I appreciate the Thani-Oladunjoye family for keeping the memory of their father alive as somebody who has lived the life of exemplary leadership,” he said.
The first female Chairman of Epe Local Government, Princess Surah Animashaun, who financially supported the project with an undisclosed amount of money, pledged to enrol 50 of the Old people from the centre with the Health Insurance Scheme programs of the government.
“I want to use this opportunity to implore the sons and daughters of Epe out there who are passionate about their beloved community but uncertain of what to do or how to help, to come back home because we need more of this. This is another avenue to unite our aged parents. We have widows and widowers among them, they can re-marry, we can even tie their nuptial knots here,” she noted.
She pointed out that loneliness was one of the factors that contribute to rapid ageing, stating that the platform can be an avenue for them to make friends, befriend each other, have a confidant. All these, she said, would assist in getting them healthy.
Photos from the event:
Otunba TJ Abass, the Aremo of Epe Kingdom exchanged pleasantries with Hon Abiodun Tobun at the event
Hon Abiodun Tobun, MLA, Lagos State House of Assembly, Epe Constituency I and Mr Tunde Thani.
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