{
  "id": 3299863,
  "title": "Yoruba Tennis Club Centenary Week: Fatomilola Advocates Responsibility, Character in Pursuit of Destiny",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/yoruba-tennis-club-centenary-week-fatomilola-advocates-responsibility",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-25T15:52:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/08/25/yoruba-tennis-club-centenary-week-fatomilola-advocates-responsibility-character-in-pursuit-of-destiny/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Funmi Ogundare, a Nigerian dramatist, film actor and poet, addressed the Yoruba Tennis Club (YCT) centenary cultural colloquium in Lagos on Tuesday. He urged Nigerians to accept responsibility for their choices and actions, stating that destiny should not be used as an excuse for failure, laziness or lack of preparation. Emphasizing that individuals might inherit circumstances beyond their control, Fatomilola highlighted the power of knowledge, hard work, character and perseverance in shaping one's destiny. He explained that while people cannot control their parents' background, birthplace or innate talents, they can choose to acquire knowledge, work diligently, remain honest, forgive, persist and utilize opportunities wisely. Fatomilola clarified that the Yoruba concept of destiny, or Ayanmo, goes beyond the belief in predetermined forces, suggesting that it relates to what people inherit, encounter, choose and ultimately become. He cautioned against using destiny as a justification for failure, urging people not to attribute their shortcomings entirely to fate. The actor and scholar underscored that while potential is essential, fulfilling it requires circumstances and decisions. Using the metaphor of a seed needing soil, water, sunlight, protection and time to grow, Fatomilola stressed that a person's potential is realized through their actions and choices. He warned against invoking destiny as an excuse for not working or preparing, stating that true responsibility lies in how one responds to the cards dealt to them. Fatomilola advocated for a balance between destiny and free will, suggesting that while people cannot control external circumstances or others' actions, they can control their responses, decisions and character. He stressed that the real question should not only be about what destiny has given them but what they are doing with it. Fatomilola emphasized that preparation, faith, knowledge, effort and character are crucial for achieving one's purpose, cautioning that prayer alone without preparation can lead to disappointment, while preparation without wisdom may result in frustration. He urged the YCT to use its centenary celebration to reinforce Yoruba values and mentor the younger generation, stressing that the club should be a beacon of culture, unity and responsible leadership. Fatomilola concluded by urging the club's leadership and members to commit to justice, unity and intergenerational mentorship, viewing the centenary as an opportunity to celebrate the past while building a stronger future for all generations.",
  "summary": "Funmi Ogundare Nigerian dramatist, film actor and poet, Prof. Peter Fatomilola, Tuesday urged Nigerians to take responsibility for their choices and actions, saying destiny should not be used as an",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}