Be Ready To Step On Toes, Obj Tells FMC Abeokuta Board Chairman, Dr. Dayo Israel

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has advised the newly appointed Chairman of the Board of Management, Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Dr. Dayo Israel, to brace himself for the challenges ahead and be prepared to step on toes when necessary to ensure a successful tenure.

Chief Obasanjo emphasized that no impactful leader has ever achieved success without making tough decisions.

"If you're doing a job and you're not stepping on toes, then you're not being effective," he stated.

According to a statement by the hospital’s Head of Information and Public Relations, Dr. Segun Orisajo, the former President made these remarks while hosting Dr. Israel on a courtesy visit. The visit also included the Centre’s Medical Director, Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu, and members of his management team.

Recalling a personal experience, Chief Obasanjo narrated how he once dismissed his own daughter from his farm for lateness, emphasizing the importance of discipline and accountability.

"Shortly after leaving office as 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 her first day, she arrived at 7:15 a.m. instead of the usual 7:00 a.m. I warned her to set a good example for other workers. The following day, she was late again, and I sent her back home from the gate. That singular act instilled discipline among my employees, who realized that if I could do that to my daughter, I would not tolerate lateness from anyone."

Chief Obasanjo, however, urged Dr. Israel to be "just, fair, and humane" even when making tough decisions.

He commended the Medical Director, Prof. Musa-Olomu, for his remarkable achievements in the past seven and a half years at the Centre.

In response, Dr. Israel described Chief Obasanjo as an international statesman, full of wisdom and insight.

"Meeting Baba Obasanjo is always an enlightening experience. As we embark on this journey to transform FMC Abeokuta, his wisdom and experience will be invaluable," he said.

Dr. Israel reaffirmed his commitment to transforming FMC Abeokuta into a world-class medical institution that will attract patients from across the country and beyond.

"My first priority is to transition the hospital from dependence on the national grid to renewable energy. We are open to partnerships to achieve this goal," he added.

As part of his familiarization visits, Dr. Israel also paid courtesy calls to the Palaces of the Alake of Egbaland, the Osile of Oke-Ona, and the Olowu of Owu, where he received royal blessings for a successful tenure. Additionally, he visited former Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. John Ade Abolurin.