CIPM Ogun State branch launches new chapter at Ibese

The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) expanded its footprint in Ogun State with the establishment of the CIPM Ibese-Ilaro Chapter on Friday, 31st May, 2024. The hybrid event, hosted at Dangote Cement Plant in Ibese, marked a significant milestone for the HR community in the region.

Engr. Sean Olabode Badiru, MCIPM, Chairman of the CIPM Ogun State Branch, emphasized the importance of professional development in his opening remarks. He encouraged participants to leverage gatherings like CIPM Chapter meetings, other CIPM events, and Massive Open Online Courses platforms for continuous learning, underscoring that CIPM membership benefits extend beyond core HR practitioners to anyone managing people.

“As an HR professional, staying current with industry trends, enhancing your skills, and advancing your career are paramount. Platforms like CIPM events, Coursera and LinkedIn Learning offer high-quality, flexible, and cost-effective learning opportunities. By embracing continuous learning, you can contribute more effectively to your organization and achieve your career goals,” Engr. Badiru stated.

Engr. Badiru also underscored that CIPM membership is not limited to HR practitioners alone. “Even if you are not an HR practitioner, as long as you are overseeing a group of people, you stand to gain immensely from joining CIPM. Membership provides access to tailored professional development opportunities and invaluable networking connections. You will also gain access to essential resources like research publications,” he affirmed.

He further highlighted the necessity of holding a Human Resource Practitioners License from CIPM, the only body authorized to regulate HR practice in Nigeria. “Any HR professional practicing without this license is a quack,” he asserted.

Speaking on “Future Trends in HR Management,” guest speaker Mr. Nurudeen Yusuf, MCIPM, Head of Learning & Development at Dangote Cement Plc, emphasized the pivotal role HR plays in organizational transformation. He detailed how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the need for digital collaboration tools and remote work policies, placing HR at the center of these transformations. Mr. Yusuf categorized future HR trends into three key areas: redefining organizations, driving people transformation, and enabling change. He stressed the importance of a human-centric culture, agile organizational structures, and a focus on health and safety.He also advocated for personalized reward schemes, performance and productivity alignment, and digital upskilling.

Mrs. Felicia Onyechi, Group Head of Learning and Development at Dangote Industries Ltd., joined the event virtually, lauding the chapter’s initiation as a significant milestone. She encouraged members to leverage available resources for personal and professional growth, emphasizing the importance of staying competitive and connected in the global HR landscape.

In his remark, Mr. Olugbenga Aina, Head of HR & Admin at Dangote Cement Plant Ibese, urged participants to develop their capacities and understand their organizations’ business to remain relevant in the evolving work environment. He highlighted the transition of some HR leaders to managing director roles as a testament to the importance of continuous professional development.

Following various nominations made by those present at the event, the branch chairman announced the protem executives for the new chapter, including Mrs. Abolanle Balogun-Adesunloye as Chairman, Mr. James Kosobameji as General Secretary, Mr. Oladipupo Oloyede as Treasurer, Mr. Alhassan Muhammad as PRO, and Mrs. Genevive Eriba-Eru as Assistant General Secretary. The Ex-Officio members are Mr. Olugbenga Aina, Mr. Jibril Gambari, and Mr. Abubakar Abdulkareem.

Engr. Sean assured the chapter of a formal inauguration within three months, contingent on numerical growth and member commitment. In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Abolanle Balogun-Adesunloye expressed gratitude to the branch chairman, the guest speaker, and supporters from Dangote Cement Plant and other companies within Ibese-Ilaro region. She committed to the chapter’s growth and adherence to the institute’s code of conduct.

This launch marks a new era for HR professionals in the Ibese-Ilaro region, promising enhanced professional development, networking opportunities, and a collective voice in advancing the HR profession in Nigeria.