Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has recounted an instance where he sent his first daughter back home for arriving late to work on his farm, emphasising the importance of discipline and accountability in leadership.
Obasanjo shared the anecdote on Sunday while receiving Dr. Dayo Israel, the newly appointed chairman of the board of management of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, during a familiarisation visit.
According to a statement released by the hospital’s head of public relations, Dr. Segun Orisajo, the former president encouraged Israel to be firm in his new role, underscoring that effective leadership often requires making tough decisions, even at the expense of stepping on toes.
Recounting the incident with his daughter, Obasanjo said: “Shortly after I left office as the military Head of State, my first daughter, then at the University of Ibadan studying Veterinary Medicine, was engaged on my farm to gain some practical experience during the long vacation.
“On day one, she resumed a quarter past seven in the morning as against the usual 7 a.m. I warned her, reminding her that she has an obligation to be a good example to other workers. I told her I would not hesitate to wield the big stick should the same be repeated going forward.
“To my amazement, the following day she was late to work again. I did not hesitate to send her back right from the gate.
“Not surprisingly, this had an indescribable effect on all my employees, saying if Baba could do this to his daughter, who are we?”
The visit by the FMC board chairman was also attended by the hospital’s medical director, Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu, and members of the management team.
Obasanjo advised Israel to remain “just, fair, and humane” in his leadership while making decisions necessary for progress. He also commended Prof. Musa-Olomu for his achievements over the past seven and a half years, describing his tenure as transformative for the hospital.
Israel expressed his admiration for Obasanjo’s wisdom, stating that his insights would be invaluable in the mission to elevate FMC Abeokuta to world-class standards.
“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,” he said.
