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The 57th International Conference and Exhibition of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) ended on a resounding note, with Yemi Osinbajo, Former Vice President urging HR professionals to champion a humane, ethical, and future-ready workforce for Nigeria. Osinbajo, who graced the closing ceremony, commended CIPM “for the giant strides it has made over the years in regulating the practice of people management in Nigeria” and warned that artificial intelligence and rapid digital change have already transformed the world of work. “AI has transformed everything about the world. The future of work is already here — shaped by rapid digital transformation and our youthful population,” he told a packed hall. “We must continue to reskill and upskill to meet the opportunities of the new world of work.” On ethics and governance, the former Vice-President urged HR leaders to craft clear guidelines for the responsible use of technology. “Ethical and responsible use of technology is critical. HR must ensure this. HR should create clear ethical guidelines to regulate AI,” he said, stressing that HR professionals must embrace data, which should “serve as a tool of empowerment and not control.” Osinbajo also highlighted the human dimensions of the workplace and called for updated labour laws that reflect new work realities. “Prioritise employee wellbeing and mental health. Create a culture of empathy and inclusion to maintain productivity,” he said. “The future of work will not be determined by tech alone but by how organisations integrate human values in the deployment of tech, which HR professionals are at the forefront of achieving. The new world of work will be determined by people, not technology.” With a total of 5,019 registered participants — 3,937 in-person delegates and 1,082 virtual attendees — this year’s edition officially stands as the largest Human Resources gathering in Africa, reinforcing CIPM’s position at the forefront of people-management excellence on the continent and underscoring Nigeria’s growing influence in shaping the future of work discourse regionally and globally. Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, The President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIPM, used the occasion to press a practical point: the ideas exchanged over the conference must be converted into action. “Ensure you deploy the knowledge you gained from the conference in your various places of work,” he implored delegates, charging HR professionals to become the engines of change within their organisations. The Gala and Award Night that followed the closing ceremony delivered a celebratory high note: 73 members were conferred with Fellowship of the Institute, a recognition reserved for professionals who have demonstrated outstanding contribution to the practice of people management in Nigeria. As the curtains fell on this landmark conference, one message echoed louder than ever: Nigeria’s future will not be written by technology, but by the people empowered to use it with wisdom, empathy, and vision. From the inspiring charge of Prof. Osinbajo to the unwavering commitment of CIPM and thousands of delegates, the 57th International Conference ends not as a ceremony, but as a call to duty — to transform workplaces, elevate human potential, and lead a future where innovation serves humanity. With renewed energy and shared purpose, Nigeria’s HR community leaves Abuja ready not just to adapt to the new world of work but to shape it.
