Jobberman Nigeria, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is reshaping the future of talent acquisition and workforce development in Nigeria, through inclusive and forward-looking human resource (HR) practices aimed at business growth.
At the recently held HR Fusion event in Lagos, themed Effective Talent Management for Business Growth, industry leaders, recruiters, HR managers and business executives gathered to discuss pressing workforce challenges and strategies for the evolving nature of work in Nigeria. The event, which featured a blend of panel sessions, breakout discussions and networking, focused on practical actions and sustainable solutions.
Speaking at the event, Samantha Ifezulike, Head of People and Culture at Jobberman Nigeria, stressed that the partnership with the Mastercard Foundation was not just about conversation, but about real change.
“This event is about more than ideas. It’s about action. That’s why, through our partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, we are spotlighting sustainable HR strategies, building job centres in 14 states, and training youths in soft skills to help organisations build future-ready teams,” she said.
The Jobberman-Mastercard Foundation partnership is part of a broader effort to tackle Nigeria’s high youth unemployment rate and strengthen the human capital base. Through initiatives such as free job listings, access to trained talent, and targeted programmes for women and persons with disabilities, the organisations are helping bridge the gap between opportunity and preparedness in the labour market.
According to Mr Yemi Faseun, Chief Talent Officer at YF Talent Partners, the traditional HR approach is no longer sufficient. “Talent is not a back-office support. Talent is the strategy,” he noted. He urged HR professionals to shift from administrative functions to strategic advisory roles that empower line managers and guide leadership in fostering people-centric workplaces.
Faseun also called attention to generational dynamics in today’s organisations, highlighting the need for deeper understanding of the values, expectations, and communication styles of younger employees.
“We must stop labelling Gen Zs. Understand them instead. Leadership must evolve to connect with workers with empathy, trust and purpose. That’s the new HR,” he added.
Throughout the evening, participants explored critical areas such as building retention-driven workplace culture, employee engagement, inclusion, and the reskilling of workers to meet emerging business demands. These discussions were not only timely, but came at a period when many organisations are rethinking workforce strategy amidst a shifting economic landscape.
Mr Babajide Anjorin, Head of Marketing at Jobberman, reinforced the role of inclusion in creating thriving organisations. He argued that companies must evaluate talent based on skills, not physical ability or gender.
“If someone brings value to the table, regardless of condition or background, they should be given a fair chance. Inclusion sparks innovation. When people feel seen, they give their best,” Anjorin said.
Anjorin also encouraged businesses to foster safe and empowering environments for women, especially in leadership pipelines, stating that inclusion is not just a good practice but a business growth strategy.
The HR Fusion series by Jobberman has positioned itsel as a platform for sparking innovation, building relationships, and crafting new realities in workforce management. With rising demand for skilled workers and increasing global competition for talent, Jobberman and Mastercard Foundation believe that improving employment outcomes and workplace culture is essential to national economic advancement.
Also speaking at the event, some participants described the gathering as a space for shared learning.
“I found the breakout session on employee engagement particularly helpful. It gave me new ways to connect meaningfully with staff in a remote setup,” said Adelakun Khebab., a mid-level HR manager at a fintech firm.
With over a decade of industry experience, Jobberman remains Nigeria’s leading recruitment and career development platform. Through a combination of technology, training, and partnerships, the organisation continues to connect job seekers to dignified employment, while supporting employers with access to qualified talent.
The Mastercard Foundation, on its part, is one of the largest philanthropic organisations globally, supporting initiatives across Africa that enable young people, especially women and marginalised groups, to access meaningful work.
As Nigeria’s HR landscape continues to evolve, the push for sustainable, inclusive, and people-driven strategies may well become the blueprint for building resilient businesses and a stronger economy. And in that vision, both Jobberman and Mastercard Foundation appear determined to lead.
For more information visit jobberman.com/research
