Obasanjo urges FMC Abeokuta chairman to embrace tough decisions in leadership

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has advised Dr. Dayo Israel, the newly appointed Chairman of the Board of Management at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, to brace for challenges and make difficult decisions in his new role, even if it means stepping on toes.

Obasanjo gave the counsel on Sunday when he hosted Israel at his Presidential Hilltop residence in Abeokuta, emphasizing that effective leadership often demands making tough choices.

“If you’re doing a job and you’re not stepping on toes, then you’re not being effective,” Obasanjo stated. “No notable leader I have encountered ever succeeded without facing obstacles.”

To illustrate his point, the former president shared a personal anecdote, recounting an incident where he dismissed his own daughter from his farm for arriving late to work.

“Shortly after I left office as military Head of State, my first daughter, then a veterinary medicine student at the University of Ibadan, was engaged on my farm for practical training 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 to set a good example for the other workers. I told her I would not hesitate to take action if it happened again,” he recalled.

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“To my amazement, the following day, she was late again. I did not hesitate to send her back right from the gate. The effect was immediate—my employees said, ‘If Baba could do this to his daughter, who are we?’”

Obasanjo urged Dr. Israel to be firm but fair in his leadership at FMC Abeokuta, ensuring that his tenure is characterized by integrity, discipline, and decisiveness. He stressed that maintaining high ethical standards and making difficult yet necessary decisions would define a successful administration.

Dr. Israel’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the medical institution, and his ability to navigate leadership challenges will be pivotal in driving growth and efficiency at the healthcare facility.