…Urges FMC Board Chairman to Be Ready to Step on Toes
Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed how he sacked his daughter from his farm due to lateness. He explained that the incident sent a strong message to his employees, saying, “If Baba could do this to his daughter, who are we?”
Obasanjo made this disclosure while hosting the new Chairman of the Board of Management of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Dr. Dayo Israel, at his Penthouse residence within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The former president advised Dr. Israel to brace himself for challenges and be willing to step on toes if necessary to ensure a successful tenure. He emphasized that no effective leader can achieve success without 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.
