CIPM pushes strategic shift, inducts 78 members

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The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria has urged human resource professionals to move beyond traditional administrative roles and become strategic drivers of business transformation as it inducted 78 new members into the profession.

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The Institute, Nigeria’s only statutory regulatory body for the practice of human resource management, said the changing nature of work requires HR leaders to embrace innovation, professional excellence and technology-driven solutions to support organisational growth.

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The call was made during the recent CIPM’s 71st Induction Ceremony, which was held virtually and focused on preparing new members for the evolving demands of the workplace.

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President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIPM, Ahmed Gobir, congratulated the newly inducted professionals and said the decision to host the ceremony virtually reflected the Institute’s commitment to innovation and adaptability.

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“As HR professionals, we constantly advise organisations to be agile, innovative, and responsive to changing realities. At CIPM, we practise what we preach. There was no need to keep HR professionals waiting, so we chose innovation over tradition,” he remarked.

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Describing the inductees as “78 success stories,” Gobir said their admission into the Institute represented more than professional recognition, adding that membership comes with responsibilities around ethics, credibility and continuous development.

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“You are receiving much more than a certificate. You are receiving professional recognition, credibility, a badge of trust, and greater responsibility,” he said.

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“Every time you append ACIPM, MCIPM, or FCIPM to your name, you are making a statement that you belong to a profession.”

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He encouraged the new members to actively participate in CIPM activities at branch, chapter and national levels while upholding the values of the profession.

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Delivering the keynote presentation, Guest Speaker Reverend Dr. Collins Edebiri, FCIPM, challenged HR professionals to redefine their roles within organisations by becoming strategic partners in decision-making and business growth.

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Speaking on the theme, ‘Raising the Bar of Professional Standards: HR as a Steward of Transformation,’ Edebiri said the HR function has evolved from a support role focused mainly on policies and administration into a critical business function responsible for shaping organisational performance.

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He said modern HR professionals must develop capabilities in strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, data-driven decision-making, coaching, innovation and ethical leadership to remain relevant.

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According to him, HR leaders are now responsible for driving organisational culture, developing talent, supporting leadership growth, managing change and improving workforce planning.

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“HR professionals are no longer merely custodians of policies but architects of organisational success,” he said.

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Edebiri added that the future of HR would require professionals who can combine people management expertise with technology, analytics and business strategy.

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The induction comes at a time organisations globally are reassessing workforce strategies amid rapid technological changes, artificial intelligence adoption and shifting employee expectations.

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Businesses are increasingly relying on HR departments not only for recruitment and employee welfare but also for managing digital transformation, developing workforce capabilities and building resilient organisational cultures.

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In her closing remarks, Vice President of CIPM, Chidinma Obiejesi, told the newly inducted members that they were joining the profession at a critical period when HR leaders have a greater responsibility to influence workplace transformation.

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She urged them to uphold professional standards, embrace lifelong learning and serve as stewards of positive change within their organisations.

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The 71st Induction Ceremony reaffirmed CIPM’s commitment to strengthening the HR profession through innovation, professionalism and excellence.

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The Institute said it would continue leveraging technology and professional development initiatives to equip HR practitioners with the skills needed to lead organisations in an increasingly digital and rapidly changing world of work.

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