Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently shared a personal story that underscores the importance of strong leadership and making difficult decisions.
The story was told during a meeting with Dr. Dayo Israel, the new Chairman of the Board of Management of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Obasanjo recounted how he once fired his daughter from his farm for consistently being late to work.
The incident, which occurred years ago, served as a powerful lesson to Obasanjo’s employees, who took note that “If Baba could do this to his daughter, who are we?”
The former president emphasized that effective leadership often requires making tough choices and taking decisive action, even when it may be uncomfortable or unpopular.
As Dr. Israel embarks on his new role at FMC, Obasanjo advised him to brace himself for challenges and be prepared to make difficult decisions that might ruffle feathers.
He stressed that no successful leader can achieve their goals without occasionally stepping on toes
“Shortly after I left office as Head of State, my first daughter, who was then studying Veterinary Medicine at the University of Ibadan, joined my farm for practical experience during a long vacation. On her first day, she arrived at 7:15 a.m. instead of the usual 7:00 a.m. I warned her about the need to set a good example for other workers.
“To my amazement, she was late again the following day. I did not hesitate to send her back right from the gate. This had a significant impact on my employees, who said, ‘If Baba could do this to his daughter, who are we?’”
Obasanjo encouraged Dr. Israel to be just, fair, and humane even when it became necessary to step on toes. He also commended the Medical Director, Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu, for his remarkable achievements over the past seven and a half years.
Earlier, Dr. Israel described Obasanjo as an international figure full of wisdom and wit, saying,
“Meeting Baba Obasanjo is always so much fun. His wisdom and experience are invaluable as we begin this journey of transformation at FMC Abeokuta.”
The chairman pledged to support the hospital management in transforming FMC Abeokuta into a world-class health institution. He highlighted his priority of moving the hospital away from the national grid to renewable energy and emphasized openness to partnerships.
During his familiarization visits, Dr. Israel also met with the royal fathers of Alake, Osile, and Olowu, who blessed and prayed for his successful tenure. He also visited the former Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. John Ade Abolurin.
