Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has stated that no leader can achieve success without stepping on toes.
He shared this view during a familiarisation visit by Dr. Dayo Israel, the new Chairman of the Board of Management of Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, on Sunday, February 9.
Obasanjo, who was hosting Dr. Israel, along with the Centre’s Medical Director, Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu, and members of the Management team, encouraged the new chairman to be prepared for the challenges ahead.
He advised him to embrace the necessity of making difficult decisions, even if it meant stepping on some toes.
The former president explained that effective leadership often requires tough decisions that may not be popular but are necessary for progress. He said, “If you’re doing a job and you’re not stepping on toes, then you’re not effective.”
Obasanjo also shared a personal story to illustrate his point. He recounted an incident from several decades ago after he left office as Head of State when he had to take disciplinary action against his daughter.
She had been working on his farm during a long vacation, but was late for work on two occasions. Despite being his daughter, Obasanjo said he did not hesitate to send her away from the farm, which, according to him, made a profound impact on his employees.
He explained, “If Baba could do this to his daughter, who are we?”
While advising the new chairman to be firm, Obasanjo also emphasized the importance of being “just, fair, and humane” in all actions.
Obasanjo took the opportunity to commend Prof. Musa-Olomu for his achievements at the Centre over the past seven and a half years, acknowledging the Medical Director’s positive impact on the institution.
Earlier, Dr. Israel praised Obasanjo, describing him as an international colossus full of wisdom and wit.
He reaffirmed his commitment to making the Federal Medical Centre a world-class medical facility where individuals from across the globe could receive comprehensive care.
