The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) recently inducted approximately 274 human resources (HR) practitioners from Lagos, urging them to become catalysts for positive change across the nation.
In a landmark event aimed at advancing the lagos-aviation-academy-2025-school-of-the-year/” title=”… Aviation Academy Soars to Victory as 2025 School of the Year!”>professional standards of HR within Lagos State’s public sector, CIPM held a dedicated induction ceremony for government employees, marking a pivotal step in enhancing HR management in the civil service.
During the 65th Induction Ceremony held over the weekend in Lagos, a total of 141 public service officers were officially welcomed into the Institute. Among them, eight were elevated to Full Membership (MCIPM), while 133 joined as Associate Members (ACIPM) through the HR Practitioners pathway.
Themed “Resilient People, Responsive Service: Charting the Future of HR in the Public Service,” the event featured a keynote address by CIPM President and Chairman, Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir. He highlighted the critical and evolving role of HR professionals in spearheading reforms within government agencies.
Addressing the new inductees, Gobir described the occasion as a “crowning of potential,” emphasizing that the CIPM badge represents not only a symbol of achievement but also a legal credential to practice HR in Nigeria. He encouraged members to engage with the newly established CIPM HR Leadership Academy, which aims to enhance competencies across all facets of HR management. Additionally, he urged active participation in local branch activities, including the Lagos State branch and Alausa Chapter, as well as national events such as the CIPM International Conference and Exhibition (ICE).
Gobir stressed, “Our mission transcends mere certification or titles; we are here to inspire pioneers who will transform the public service from merely operational to exceptional.” He called on the inductees to embody resilience and responsiveness, noting that true resilience is forged through adversity and perseverance rather than comfort.
Representing the Head of Service of Lagos State, Shuaheeb Bode Agoro, Mrs. Abosede George, Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Commission, underscored the indispensable role of HR in organizational success. She asserted that HR is the backbone of any institution, without which other departments cannot function effectively. George challenged the inductees to leave a lasting legacy of excellence, urging them to improve the civil service for future generations.
The guest speaker, Bibilomo Olayide Olushekun, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Local Governments, Establishments & Training, delivered an insightful presentation on the future trajectory of HR in public administration. She emphasized the pressing need for transformation amid rapid digital advancements, economic uncertainties, and heightened public demands.
Olushekun highlighted the shift from traditional paper-based systems to digital platforms, positioning HR as a pivotal driver in this evolution. She outlined key characteristics of a modern workplace, including Digital HR capabilities, Agile team structures, real-time service delivery, and a culture of transparency and accountability. She urged HR professionals to lead efforts in policy reform, workforce reskilling, and fostering innovation.
Warning against the pitfalls of outdated bureaucratic procedures that cause delays and public dissatisfaction, Olushekun called on HR practitioners to serve as the vital link connecting current challenges with future opportunities. She concluded that without a dynamic and adaptive HR function steering this change, progress in public service modernization will be hindered.
