Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has advised the newly appointed Chairman of the Board of Management, Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Dayo Israel, to be prepared for challenges and, when necessary, step on toes to ensure a successful tenure.
Obasanjo, who hosted Israel during a familiarisation visit on Sunday, emphasised that effective leadership often requires making tough decisions.
“If you’re doing a job and you’re not stepping on toes, then you’re not effective,” Obasanjo said, stressing that no notable leader he had encountered ever succeeded without confronting obstacles.
The former president also shared a personal anecdote, revealing that he once sacked his own daughter from his farm for coming late to work.
“Shortly after I left office as the military Head of State, my first daughter, then a veterinary medicine student at the University of Ibadan, was engaged on my farm for practical experience during her long vacation.
“On the first day, she arrived at 7:15 a.m. instead of the usual 7 a.m. I warned her, reminding her that she had an obligation to be a good example to other workers. I told her I would not hesitate to wield the big stick if she repeated it.
“To my amazement, the following day, she was late again. I did not hesitate to send her back right from the gate. Not surprisingly, this had an indescribable effect on all my employees, who said, ‘If Baba could do this to his daughter, who are we?’”
Obasanjo advised Israel to be “just, fair, and humane” even when tough decisions had to be made.
He also commended the hospital’s Medical Director, Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu, for the “monumental achievements” recorded under his leadership in the past seven and a half years.
Israel, accompanied by Prof. Musa-Olomu and members of his management team, described Obasanjo as an “international colossus” whose wisdom and experience would be invaluable in guiding the transformation of FMC Abeokuta.
“Meeting Baba Obasanjo is always so much fun. As we begin this journey of transformation at FMC Abeokuta, Baba’s wisdom and experience are invaluable,” Israel said.
He reiterated his commitment to elevating FMC Abeokuta into a world-class medical institution, attracting top-tier equipment, and ensuring sustainable growth.
“My first priority is to move us away from the national grid to renewable energy. We are open to partnerships,” he added.
Israel also visited the palaces of the Alake, Osile, and Olowu, where the royal fathers prayed for his successful tenure.
The team also visited the former Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. John Ade Abolurin.
