Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday recounted how he dismissed his daughter from his farm for arriving late to work. He explained that this decision had a profound impact on his employees, noting, “If Baba could do this to his daughter, who are we?”
Obasanjo shared this during a meeting with Dr. Dayo Israel, the new Chairman of the Board of Management at the Federal Medical Centre Idi-Aba, who visited him at his residence within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State. He advised Dr. Israel to prepare for challenges and to be ready to make difficult decisions for a successful tenure, stating, “No notable leader succeeds without stepping on toes.” Accompanying Dr. Israel were the Medical Director, Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu, and other members of the management team.
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According to a statement from the hospital’s Head of Public Relations, Dr. Segun Orisajo, Obasanjo remarked, “If you’re doing a job and you’re not stepping on toes, then you’re not effective.” He shared an anecdote about his daughter, who was studying Veterinary Medicine at the University of Ibadan. When she arrived late on her first day working at his farm, he warned her to set a good example for the other workers. After she was late again the following day, he sent her home without hesitation.
This strict action surprised his employees, reinforcing the idea that if he could discipline his daughter, they, too, could be held accountable.
Dr. Israel, the FMCA Board Chairman, praised Obasanjo as an international figure full of wisdom, expressing that meeting him is always enjoyable. He added, “As we embark on this transformation at FMC Abeokuta, Baba’s wisdom and experience are invaluable.”
Each day is a canvas—punctuality is our brush – Anon
