The 58th International Conference and Exhibition (ICE) of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) concluded in Abuja, urging organizations to prioritize value creation and impactful strategies in an evolving global landscape. Over 4,000 physical and 1,000 virtual delegates from Nigeria and beyond attended the four-day event, which focused on themes such as human-centred leadership, AI integration, and global HR standards. The conference, themed "Repositioning for Value and Impact," served as Africa’s largest gathering of HR professionals, reinforcing CIPM’s role as a regional leader in people management.",
Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, President and Chairman of CIPM’s Governing Council, emphasized that the conference’s true success would be measured by the actionable outcomes delegates implemented post-event. "The real conference begins when we return to our boardrooms and organizations," he stated, urging participants to translate insights into measurable impact. Gobir acknowledged the collective effort of delegates, speakers, and partners in making the event a success, noting that the event’s significance lay in its ability to foster collaboration and innovation in HR practices.",
Delegates engaged in discussions on critical issues shaping HR, including workforce productivity, governance, and the evolving expectations of business leaders. A key highlight was CIPM’s expanding global partnerships, including agreements with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR), and the World Federation of People Management Associations (WFPMA). Gobir described these collaborations as a testament to the growing influence of Nigerian HR professionals on the international stage and their commitment to global competitiveness.",
The conference also announced the Third African Human Resource Summit, set to coincide with CIPM’s 59th ICE in 2027. This initiative aims to strengthen regional collaboration and amplify Africa’s voice in global HR discourse. Attendees praised the event’s relevance, with many highlighting the quality of speakers and networking opportunities. "This was one of the most impactful editions in recent years," said a delegate, noting the practical insights shared by industry leaders.",
The event featured a lineup of renowned speakers, including business executives, policymakers, and HR thought leaders, who challenged attendees to adopt data-driven approaches and innovative strategies. Gobir stressed that the conference’s legacy would depend on its ability to inspire systemic change in workplaces and institutions. "The lessons learned here must become catalysts for transformation," he said, underscoring the need for HR professionals to align with organizational goals and societal needs.",
As delegates departed Abuja, the closing message remained clear: the conference’s success would be judged by its long-term impact rather than the number of sessions or connections made. CIPM reiterated its commitment to advancing HR standards and fostering a dynamic, globally competitive workforce. With the 58th ICE now concluded, the institute continues to position itself as a pivotal force in shaping the future of people management across Africa and beyond.
Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also oversees and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.