By Capital Watch Media
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed that he once dismissed his daughter from his farm due to lateness, sending a strong message about discipline to his employees.
Obasanjo made this revelation on Sunday while receiving 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, Ogun State.
The former president emphasised that effective leadership sometimes requires stepping on toes.
“No leader of note I have ever come across achieved success without stepping on toes,” he stated.
Speaking on workplace discipline, Obasanjo recounted how he enforced punctuality at his farm by holding his daughter accountable when she arrived late for work.
“Shortly after I left office as Head of State, my first daughter, then a Veterinary Medicine student at the University of Ibadan, joined my farm for practical experience during her long vacation,” he explained.
According to Obasanjo, on her first day, she arrived at 7:15 a.m. instead of the scheduled 7:00 a.m.
He warned her to be punctual and set an example for other workers.
“To my amazement, the following day, she was late again. I did not hesitate to send her back right from the gate,” he said.
The incident, he noted, had a profound effect on his employees, reinforcing the importance of discipline.
“They said, ‘If Baba could do this to his daughter, who are we?’” he recounted.
Dr Israel, who was accompanied by FMC Abeokuta Medical Director, Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu, and other board members, expressed admiration for Obasanjo’s leadership principles.
He described the former president as a man full of wisdom and experience. “
Meeting Baba Obasanjo is always enlightening. His insights will be invaluable as we begin this journey of transformation at FMC Abeokuta,” Israel said.
Obasanjo reiterated that accountability is crucial in leadership, advising the FMC chairman to be prepared for tough decisions.
“If you’re doing a job and not stepping on toes, then you’re not effective,” he remarked.
He urged Dr Israel to prioritise discipline and efficiency in his new role, saying, “Leadership is not about pleasing everyone but ensuring things are done right.”
The former president also reflected on his experiences in governance, stating that difficult choices are necessary for progress.
“Sometimes, people may not understand at the moment, but when they see the results, they appreciate the decisions taken,” he added.
Dr Israel thanked Obasanjo for his words of encouragement, assuring him that his leadership at FMC Abeokuta would reflect discipline and efficiency.
