To equip fresh graduates with essential people management skills, enhancing their employability and leadership potential across sectors, The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) inaugurated its flagship capacity development programme for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members at the Sagamu Orientation Camp in Ogun State.
The programme was officially flagged off by Chairman of CIPM’s Young Professionals Committee and elected Council Member, Sean Olabode Badiru, on behalf of the President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir. Addressing the corps members, Badiru shared the sentiments of the President, emphasising CIPM’s commitment to the professional development of young graduates.
“The Institute believes that building your people management capability at this stage of your journey is a strategic career investment. Whether you are an engineer, economist, or social scientist, the skills you acquire here will help you manage relationships, expectations, and outcomes effectively,” Badiru said.
“This programme is entirely free, but its value is immense: from strengthening your reputation as a reliable team member to accelerating your career, improving workplace adaptability, and positioning you as someone employers and colleagues trust to deliver results.”
Following the flag-off, Badiru delivered an engaging lecture on Essential People Management Skills, guiding corps members through the four pillars of effective leadership: managing oneself, managing up, managing across, and managing down.
On the first pillar, self-management, Badiru stressed the importance of self-awareness. He explained that understanding one’s reactions under pressure is critical to building trust and credibility. “Before you can lead others, you must first demonstrate mastery over yourself,” he told the corps members. “In moments of pressure when deadlines tighten or situations become uncomfortable people are watching. Your emotional discipline, your ability to remain composed, becomes the bedrock of your professional reputation.”
He also highlighted the value of personal accountability. “In business, ownership is everything,” Badiru advised. “When outcomes fall short, the instinct may be to shift blame. But maturity and indeed leadership shows when you step forward, accept responsibility, and focus on solutions. That kind of integrity earns you lasting trust.”
Time and task management was another key point: corps members were encouraged to plan their tasks, prioritise effectively, and learn to respectfully decline additional responsibilities when overextended.
Shifting to managing supervisors, Badiru illustrated how proactive communication can set corps members apart. “Managing up is about making your boss’s job easier. Anticipate what they need, communicate solutions not just problems and understand their priorities. When you do this, you become a trusted partner.”
The lecture also covered collaboration with peers. Corps members were advised to cultivate cooperative relationships by honouring commitments, helping colleagues succeed, and resolving conflicts promptly. Badiru explained that success in any organisation depends as much on the ability to work well with others as on individual skill.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of CIPM Ogun State Branch, Mrs. Oladunni Olusola Adetona, highlighted the professional advantages of joining the Institute. “CIPM is more than an institution; it is a platform that equips you to compete and to lead. Through certification, workshops, and continuous learning, you gain the tools to thrive and distinguish yourself as a professional of value.”
