In a landmark demonstration of professional impact and youth engagement, the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), through its Young Professionals Engagement Committee, has achieved a major milestone by facilitating the registration of 2,236 young professionals for membership during the 2025 RCCG Career Fair.
The three-day event, themed “Navigate,” was organized by the Redeemed Christian Church of God as part of its 2025 International Youth Convention, held from Thursday, October 2 to Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Redemption City, Ogun State. The initiative formed part of CIPM’s strategic youth development drive aimed at inspiring early-career professionals to pursue structured career growth through professional certification and lifelong learning.
CIPM has remained at the forefront of connecting young Nigerians to professional development opportunities through partnerships, mentorship, and skill-building programmes. Its participation at the fair provided thousands of youths with a platform to explore People Management as a viable and fulfilling career path.
Delivering a goodwill message at the event, Mrs. Oladunni Olusola Adetona, MCIPM, Chairman of the CIPM Ogun State Branch, urged participants to remain purposeful, determined, and committed to lifelong learning. She emphasized that continuous reskilling, creativity, and adaptability are key to achieving excellence in today’s dynamic workplace.
“There is no limit to how far you can go or what you can achieve in life,” she said. “Continue to seek success and excellence the world is waiting for you to make impact in your generation.”
Speaking shortly after, Sean Olabode Badiru, MCIPM, Chairman of the CIPM Young Professionals Engagement Committee, delivered an inspiring session titled “Navigate.” He urged participants to take responsibility for their growth, align their strengths and ambitions with God’s purpose, and cultivate self-leadership as the foundation of career success. Citing biblical examples, he explained that every individual carries divine gifts designed for specific assignments and encouraged the youths to identify and develop their unique strengths through continuous learning and service.
Badiru also offered practical guidance on building employability skills—such as crafting strong CVs, optimizing LinkedIn profiles, and preparing for interviews and assessment centers. He emphasized that self-awareness, preparation, and confidence are critical to professional growth. “This is your chance to market yourself,” he said. “If you’re asked a question you don’t know, admit you’re still learning—but quickly highlight what you do know. That honesty and confidence will stand you out.”
Day two of the Career Fair featured a high-impact Panel Discussion titled “Navigating the Path to Professional Greatness.” The panelists included Ifeoma Obaro, Head, Corporate Finance & Treasury, Lafarge Africa Plc; Bayonle Oduola, Head, Talent Acquisition & Onboarding, PremiumTrust Bank and Sean Olabode Badiru, CEO of Africa Tech Hub. The session was moderated by Victoria Idowu, Human Resources Manager at SANY Group.
The panelists shared practical insights on how to rise from entry-level to executive leadership within any organization. Discussions centered on mastering one’s current role, developing a growth mindset, building technical competence, understanding business operations, cultivating emotional intelligence, and demonstrating consistent results.
“Deliver excellence in every task, no matter how small,” Badiru advised. “Be reliable, be visible, and keep upgrading yourself. Growth is not accidental it’s intentional.”
The conversation also emphasised networking, mentorship, ethical conduct, adaptability, and strategic thinking. Mrs. Obaro encouraged participants to understand office politics “ethically,” while Mr. Oduola reminded young professionals that “resilience, patience, and cross-functional exposure” are essential ingredients for long-term career success.
Throughout the fair, participants benefitted from on-the-spot job interviews, CV reviews, and personalized career counselling sessions facilitated by seasoned HR professionals from diverse industries. Among them were Adeyemi Ajayi, Damilare Babalola, Adetutu Rebecca Ogunbiyi, Charles Binitie, Emmanuel Olawumi, Blessing Oluwalusi, Olawale Owolabi, Busari Abidemi Oluwatosin, Tosin Agboola, Dr. Lizzy Omojuwa-Okiye, Isaac Ojo, Oluwatomisin Salako, Adeola Falodun, Ajiboye Elizabeth Adetoun, Hannah Agunkejoye, Lawrence Oluwarotimi, Oluwakemi Awosanya, Blessing Olalere, and Chukwuemeka Udeh.
Participants who attended the sessions and passed the post-event assessment test were issued certificates of participation.
This initiative aligns with the current administration’s SOAR Agenda, a transformation blueprint anchored on the CIPM 2025–2027 Strategic Plan. The SOAR Agenda underscores the Institute’s commitment to strategic alliances, youth inclusion, and professional excellence, reinforcing CIPM’s mission to prepare Nigeria’s next generation of leaders for global relevance.
