The Yoruba people have long held a rich tradition of wisdom, expressed through proverbs that highlight the importance of hard work and purpose. One such saying is: “An elder who seeks pleasure will spend the night in exhaustion,” and another, “The purpose of one’s work defines their success.” These sayings serve as a reminder that productivity, determination, and meaningful work are at the core of Yoruba culture, while laziness and idleness are seen as unacceptable.

In traditional Yoruba society, when a child is born, the parents consult a priest, often an Ifá priest or diviner, to learn about the child’s destiny. This ritual is believed to reveal the type of work or vocation that the child is destined to pursue. The Yoruba view work not simply as a means of survival, but as a divine calling—something that has been chosen for each individual by the Creator. The belief is that our work is not random, but a part of a greater plan laid out for us by higher powers.

For the Yoruba, this notion of work as a divine purpose is not just a cultural value, but a deeply ingrained belief. If a person strays from the work they were destined to do, it is believed that they may experience failure or misfortune in that area of their life. It is said that when a person works in alignment with their true calling, they will experience fulfillment, success, and prosperity. In fact, the Yoruba often pray, “May God not allow us to work in vain,” reflecting their belief that fulfilling one’s purpose is central to a meaningful life.

How can we, the children of the Yoruba, fail to grasp the importance of this concept? We must look to the structure that God has placed before us through our ancestors, as embodied by our revered leaders. Our mother, the matriarch of our people, has provided us with the foundation and guidance needed to return to our roots, to reconnect with the essence of who we are and the purpose we are meant to fulfill.

In reflecting on this, we must ask ourselves: Do we truly understand the power of this wisdom? Are we aware of the incredible potential we possess, not just as individuals, but as a collective community? The Yoruba belief that each person’s work is divinely chosen guides us toward fulfillment, success, and prosperity when we align our efforts with the true purpose we were meant to serve. It is not just a cultural belief; it is a spiritual principle that has endured for generations.