I am impressed and encouraged by my late father-in-law’s foresight to make a significant difference to youth long after he was gone.
He had a relatively unusual passion for playing tennis and riding horses into his early 80s. He belonged to the Lagos Country Club in Ikeja, Nigeria, and used the power of his personal will and his legal will to ensure that there is an annual tennis tournament at the Club for youth under 18 years old.
The tournament includes lessons and training clinics for the participants and final competitions with prizes for first, second, and third place winners, as well as a scholarship toward their education. Subsequently added to his instructions, was an acknowledgement that every child who puts in effort and participates—exerting their will— is indeed a winner and deserves a prize too.
Along with my husband and son (both avid tennis players), and my daughter-in-law,
I had the privilege of attending the 20th Anniversary this past Saturday, April 20th, 2024. We were all thrilled by the amazing standard of the players and their joy and enthusiasm for the game.
Watching the players’ engagement, the excitement of the audience, and the general air of joy and goodwill made me wonder: How many of us choose to do what we can for the benefit of others who we would never know? Well, Dr. Prince Joseph A. Ademiluyi did.
And, in doing so, he tasked his son with honoring and facilitating the continuation of his wishes. My husband and especially his good friend, Yinka Alakija, coordinate and orchestrate life-changing experiences for many children who derive the benefits each and every year.
Giving money is often the easiest gift when you have the capacity to do so. And, of course, that too makes a difference. However, ensuring that others are tasked with, and willing and able to follow through can be a much more complicated task.
It inspired much food for thought. Have I initiated powerful action or fostered the kind of thoughtful wisdom that will continue to make a difference toward the advancement of others, once my time is up on this earth?
What we do now can help create a successful future for someone we don’t even know. All it takes is the will and determination to do so.
I invite you to think of how you would like to impact the world around you for the better. And I challenge you to design a final act of goodwill, with a specific set of instructions in such a way that the impact continues for as long as possible. I certainly will be doing so.
Use the power of your will – And don’t forget to pass the baton…
