Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has urged Human Resource (HR) managers to lead Nigeria’s transition toward a humane, ethical, and future-ready world of work. He said technology must serve people, not replace them, while calling for clear ethical frameworks to guide the use of artificial intelligence and digital tools in workplaces.
Osinbajo made the call at the 57th International Conference and Exhibition of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) in Abuja, where President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, commended the Institute for its visionary role in advancing the nation’s human capital agenda. Tinubu described CIPM as a key partner in Nigeria’s drive to build a future-ready workforce.
Speaking on the theme “Reimagining the New World of Work,” Osinbajo praised CIPM for its consistent leadership in people management and emphasised the need for reskilling and upskilling to meet emerging opportunities. “AI has transformed everything about the world,” he said. “We must continue to prepare our people for the future of work.”
He stressed that HR professionals must prioritise employee wellbeing, empathy, and inclusion as the true markers of progress. “The future of work will not be determined by technology alone, but by how organisations integrate human values in deploying technology,” Osinbajo said.
CIPM President and Chairman of Council, Ahmed Ladan Gobir, challenged delegates to translate lessons from the conference into transformative action. “The future will not reward the strongest or the smartest, but those brave enough to stay human in a digital world,” he declared, reaffirming the Institute’s commitment to equipping professionals with the skills and values needed to navigate technological disruptions.
The conference ended with a Gala and Award Night where 73 members were conferred with the Fellowship of the Institute, recognising outstanding contributions to people management. CIPM also unveiled a mobile app to enhance members’ access to professional resources and promote continuous learning.
