The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) recently welcomed over 400 new members into its ranks during its 60th induction ceremony, themed “Driving Organisational Agility and Resilience: Navigating Uncertainty and Adapting to New Challenges.” This theme underscores the critical need for HR professionals to equip themselves with the skills and strategies to steer organizations through the complexities of the modern business landscape, characterized by constant change and unforeseen disruptions. The induction ceremony served as a platform to emphasize the importance of adaptability, ethical conduct, and resilience in navigating the challenges faced by organizations today.
The CIPM President, Mallam Ahmed Gobir, highlighted the significance of the chosen theme, describing it as a “survival manual” for businesses operating in today’s volatile environment. He emphasized that survival in the current business landscape hinges not on strength or intelligence alone, but on the ability to respond effectively to change. This adaptability requires HR professionals to be proactive, forward-thinking, and capable of anticipating and managing the impact of change on organizations and their workforce. They must be equipped to develop strategies that foster resilience within their organizations, enabling them to not only withstand challenges but to emerge stronger and more adaptable.
The induction ceremony featured a keynote address by Mrs. Rita Olarewaju, General Manager of Human Resources and Corporate Services at Aradel Holdings Plc. With over three decades of experience spanning the oil and gas, consulting, and financial services sectors, Mrs. Olarewaju provided invaluable insights into the practical application of agility and resilience principles. She shared actionable steps that HR professionals can take to bolster their organizations’ resilience in uncertain times, offering practical guidance to the newly inducted members and other attendees. Her address underscored the importance of translating theoretical knowledge into actionable strategies, equipping the inductees with the tools to make a tangible impact within their respective organizations.
Among the newly inducted members was Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed of the Federal Road Safety Corps, who achieved full membership status within the Institute. This induction highlights the CIPM’s recognition of his contributions to the field of human resource management and further strengthens the link between the Institute and key public sector organizations. It also serves as a testament to the CIPM’s commitment to fostering professionalism and excellence in HR practices across diverse sectors in Nigeria.
The ceremony also recognized the outstanding academic achievements of the inductees, with a particular focus on the valedictorian, Ngozi Nwammana. In her address, Nwammana reflected on the challenging yet rewarding journey of completing the CIPM program. She acknowledged the support she received from God, family, friends, and mentors, emphasizing the importance of a strong support system in overcoming challenges and achieving success. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring HR professionals, demonstrating the dedication and perseverance required to excel in the field.
Nwammana’s valedictory speech encapsulated the transformative nature of the CIPM program, emphasizing the personal and professional growth experienced by the inductees. She underscored the importance of continuous learning and improvement, urging her fellow inductees and aspiring HR professionals to strive for excellence in their careers. Her words resonated with the theme of the ceremony, highlighting the crucial role of continuous learning and adaptation in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of human resource management. The ceremony concluded with a charge to the newly inducted members to uphold the highest ethical standards of the profession and to champion workplace resilience within their organizations.
