On the 31st December 1931, a very beautiful boy was born in Lagos Island to the late Pa Casmir Kodjo Dossou and Adam Josephina Titilola Johnson of Moses Johnson family of Lagos the owners of the Oddo Moses at Isale Offin near Odo Alagbafo along the Marina or Ebutte Ero Lagos Island. The baby was named Thomas Alaba Abiodun Orija Dossou.



Dad started his elementary education at Holy Cross Primary School Lagos (the famous "Holy Werepe"), from 1939 to 1947 and obtained his first school leaving certificate. Thereafter he attended Eko Boys High School and competed his education at the Cosmopolitan Institute, Lagos. He started work as a clerk with Cappa and D'Aberto. Lagos where he worked for 4 years before moving to SCOA. Lagos for 2 years. He subsequently worked for Palm Line Limited a division of UAC group where he undertook several training in shipping and stevedoring businesses.



In 1957, Dad joined his maternal family business. J.O Johnson & Sons the foremost Nigerian indigenous Stevedoring company. At J.O Johnson & Sons Dad worked alongside his cousin late Pa John Oludemilade Johnson and rose to the position of Director of the company till 1977. In 1977, he established Tady Nigeria Company and undertook many construction contracts with the Lagos State Government and he was a Director of Toas & Dossou Shipping Company. Dad retired in 1989.



Dad met his darling wife Mama Rosetta Adedoyin Dossou in 1958 and they got married in April 1959. The marriage was subsequently solemnized at the Holy Cross Cathedral Church, this holy wedlock produced five very resourceful children all of whom have excelled in different departments of human endeavor and many grandchildren. Fondly called T.A , "papami", and "grandpapa" respectively Dad was the best husband father and grandpa anyone could ever wish for.



Dad was a very religious and contented man, a strong adherent of the Roman Catholic Faith who attended mass regularly and received Holy Communion. He was a generous person, a philanthropist and loved to help the needy. He went out of his way to provide support and help to people.



He was a member of the Confraternity of Saint John the Baptist of Holy Cross Cathedral Church Lagos, member of Saint Patrick Yoruba Society of Saint Charles Catholic Church, member of Catholic Men Organization and former executive member of Okepopo Club Lagos Island.