How do you start off your day?
I have to laugh, because so many times I catch myself saying ‘as for me, do as I say and not as I do’. I think this is due to the fact that lifestyle is complex, jam-packed and I am currently working harder than my age permits. Even so, my volume of work is a holiday compared to what I used to do. But basically, my day begins with prayers.
How about a typical day at the office?
Well, I go to work at NISA, where I am looking into sickle cell research, to see to a time when people can have children who are not affected by sickle cell anaemia. This is interesting research for the country.? I was released, in public interest, from the national hospital, to pursue this research together with a professor from SHESTCO. That, usually, is my first call. After that, I visit the Garki hospital, to see how they are doing, because they are part of this research project – it is like a Public Partnership Programme.
Describe a typical NISA Premier staff?
I consider them mixed blessings. Probably, 40 per cent of them are quite committed. You can see that by the way they go about it, the zeal and interest in the end result. The other 60 per cent are ruled by the Nigerian mentality or factors. I will not say ‘laziness’; it is more like an I-don’t-care attitude.? They are not creative, so they are not able to fit into a system like this. You cannot tell them to quit, because we are their source of livelihood. We have about 400 members of staff in NISA premiere and about 600 in Garki, and I think you can say the bigger half are a burden on our shoulders. I can imagine what will happen if I wake up one morning and tell them to leave.
What challenges do you face in your job and how do you overcome them?
I think the idea is a prayer I made that I want to be an example to my generation. Due to this dream, I left England, despite the cosy life and all that. Many of my friends and colleagues taught I was crazy back then, but today, they wish they had returned with me. Legacy is the second factor. It is not enough to acquire all the houses in Abuja and say ‘I own them,’ but it is enough to influence the lives of God’s creatures in Abuja, as much as one can, because it is part of the questions one will be asked on that day. A legacy evolves when you have influenced people’s lives, even when you are penniless. That is why when Hanatu was born, our prayers were, ‘oh God, make our lives touch the lives of thousands of families. We are not seeking mansions in the world, but grant us mansions in the life thereafter.’ The desire to help people spurs me to do more. You have to look at those with difficulties with a different eye and a kind heart.
How do you strike a balance between family, work and your faith?
You know, I was once asked, ‘if you were not a doctor what will you be?’ I would have been an Imam, because I am a Muslim and I have the fear of God. I am, also, always looking for more knowledge about this world and the world after. My work in in-vitro fertilisation has taught me more about the scriptures than anything I have ever learnt. I ensure they get the better part of me than my work.
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Does Nisa Premier Hospital have an area of corporate social responsibility?
Many people are in a hurry to lay hands on the good things in life by their definition, and they want it right away. They are not looking for the enduring things of tomorrow. As such, we are very committed to social responsiblity in ensuring balanced service to all customers.
What is your advice for CEOs and entrepreneurs?
Well, what we tell them is that it is going to be difficult. We are not all the same, but what I say to them is ‘keep your eye on the sparrow’, this is the end game. Look at what your end game will be, that should determine the moves you make today. That is to say, your end game determines the moves you make.
When you are on the smooth path, please look out for those in difficulty to help them, for in them come rewards for you to take towards your end game.
Secondly, you have to look for what is God’s interest for you, and the interest of the community. I say this because you meet people in this world, you did not bring them.