Daud Olatunji
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has recounted an unforgettable lesson in discipline that led him to “sack” his daughter from his farm years ago.
A statement by Head of Information and Public Relations, FMC Abeokuta, Dr. Segun Orisajo read that Obasanjo spoke in Abeokuta while receiving the newly appointed Chairman of the Board of Management of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Abeokuta, Dr. Dayo Israel who paid him a courtesy visit.
Obasanjo in his advice to the new Chairman of FMC Abeokuta, shared how, after leaving office as Head of State, he engaged his daughter, then a student at the University of Ibadan studying Veterinary Medicine, to work on his farm during the long vacation.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the former president recalled that, on the first day of her work, his daughter arrived late at the farm, a quarter past seven in the morning instead of the scheduled 7:00 AM start time.
He said he warned her sternly, reminding her of the importance of setting a good example for the other workers and that such behavior would not be tolerated in the future.
However, Obasanjo said the next day, his daughter repeated the same offence.
Obasanjo, said he did not hesitate to take action, saying, “I sent her back immediately, right from the gate,” he said.
Obasanjo explained that the decision to send his daughter home had a significant impact on the rest of his workers.
The example he set, he believes, served as a powerful lesson in leadership. “If Baba (Obasanjo) could do this to his daughter, who are we?” his employees reportedly remarked.
He stressed the importance of leading by example, no matter the relationship, and ensuring fairness in all dealings, a principle that has informed his leadership style throughout his career.
Chief Obasanjo told Dr. Israel to be ready for challenges in his new role, emphasizing that true leadership sometimes involves stepping on toes.
He said “If you’re doing a job and you’re not stepping on toes, then you’re not effective,” he said.
However, he advised Dr. Israel to remain “just, fair, and humane,” especially when it became necessary to make tough decisions.
Obasanjo also lauded the achievements of the current medical director of FMC Abeokuta, Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu, whose leadership, according to Obasanjo, has led to monumental advancements at the institution over the last seven and a half years.
Dr. Israel, in his own remarks, acknowledged the invaluable wisdom and experience of Chief Obasanjo, describing him as an “international colossus” and noting that interactions with the former president are always enlightening.
He reiterated his commitment to transforming FMC Abeokuta into a world-class institution, focusing on attracting the necessary equipment and establishing sustainable partnerships.
One of his primary goals is to move the medical center away from reliance on the national power grid to renewable energy sources, an initiative he believes will be critical for the institution’s future success.
As part of his familiarization tour, Dr. Israel also visited the palaces of prominent Ogun State monarchs, including the Alake, Osile, and Olowu, where he received royal blessings for a successful tenure.
He also paid a courtesy visit to Dr. John Ade Abolurin, the former Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
In his final words to Dr. Israel, Chief Obasanjo emphasized the importance of staying grounded and committed to serving the people, no matter the challenges that may arise.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
