Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that he once sent his first daughter back from his farm for arriving late to work, emphasising the need for discipline and accountability in leadership.
Obasanjo spoke while receiving the newly appointed Chairman of the Board of Management of the Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Dr Dayo Israel, who was on a familiarisation visit.
According to a statement by the hospital’s Head of Public Relations, Dr Segun Orisajo, Obasanjo urged Israel to be firm in his new role, stressing that effective leadership often requires stepping on toes.
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 7am. 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?”
