With hearts full of gratitude, we wrap up the 56th International Conference and Exhibition (ICE) 2024 – a glorious gathering of minds, insights, and boundless learning that saw us reinforce our commitment to driving excellence in people management across Africa and beyond. Together, we made this the largest HR event in Africa, and the momentum we have set in motion is unstoppable. From impactful sessions to inspiring connections, and culminating in the grandeur of the Gala Night and Fellows’ Investiture, your presence and support were instrumental to its resounding success.
With every stride, we are taking CIPM to new heights—together. The success of this year’s conference is yet another testament to the commitment, strength and unity of the CIPM family.
A warm and sincere thank you my dear professional colleagues who are Members of our great Institute. A special thank you to the Conference Planning Committee (CPC), and the CIPM HQ Staff who worked tirelessly, attending countless late-night meetings, exhibiting unmatched dedication to the meticulous execution of ICE 2024. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed, and I deeply appreciate the support each one of you extended to me throughout this journey.
I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the Leadership Team and our distinguished Elected Council Members for their unmatched commitment, support and dedication. Thank you for accompanying me on numerous visits to both private and public sector organisations to solicit support for the 56th International Conference and Exhibition. Our deliberations, which involved impromptu calls and meetings that often extended late into the night, have been invaluable, and I truly appreciate your unwavering support throughout this journey.
I cannot forget our esteemed Governing Council, your support is second to none and your commitment is greatly appreciated. From the depth of my heart, I say a big thank you.
To our cherished dignitaries, who graced us with their esteemed presence, thank you for your solidarity and encouragement.
Special recognition goes to some of our Past Presidents who were present at the Conference, including Mr. Victor Eburajolo, FCIPM, mni; Dr. Oladimeji Alo, FCIPM; Dr. Abiola Popoola, FCIPM; Mr. Wale Adediran, FCIPM, and the Immediate Past President, Mr. Olusegun Mojeed, FCIPM, fnli, whose legacies remind us of our duty to uphold the ideals of CIPM with pride.
My heartfelt gratitude to our Distinguished branch chairmen, thank you for their unwavering support. To organisations that turned out in remarkable numbers, and to our valued sponsors and exhibitors—your belief in our mission reinforces the unity and growth that define CIPM.
My special appreciation goes to the notable dignitaries in attendance from Day 1 to the Gala Night (in no particular order) including:
- Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, MCIPM, OON, mni
- Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety, Corps, CM Shehu Mohammed, mni
- Commandant of National Defence College (NDC), Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Morakinyo Olotu, MCIPM
- Chief of Air Staff, Nigerian Air Force Represented by Air Secretary –Air Vice Marshal A.H. Bakare
- Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Mary Ada Ogbe
- Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, OHCSF, Mrs. Fatima S.T. Mahmood
- Permanent Secretary, Service Policies and Strategies Office, OHCSF, Dr. Deborah Odoh, MCIPM
- Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Vitalis E. Obi, mni
- Director Overseeing Office of the Perm Sec, Service Welfare Office, OHCSF, Dr. Comfort Adeosun
- Senior Special Assistant to the President on Civil Service, OHCSF, Mr. Alfred Abba
- Director OHCSF, Mr. Bayo Odejinmi
- Special Guest: President, National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Benedict Kanyip, Represented by the Presiding Judge, NICN, Abuja Division, Hon. Justice O.A. Obaseki-Osaghae, FCIArb
- Head of Service, Lagos State, Mr. Olabode Agoro, MCIPM
- Head of Service, Ogun State, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya
- Head of Service, Edo State, Dr. Barr. Anthony Okungbowa, MCIPM represented by Permanent Secretary, Trade, Business & Cooperatives, Mrs. Bose Igbinabaro.
- Head of Service, Delta State, Mr. Reginald Ebitimi Bayoko, MCIPM, FNIM, mni
- Chairman, Lagos State Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Olubunmi Fabamwo, FCIPM
- President/Chairman of Governing Council, Nigerian Institute of Training & Development –NITAD, Mr. BulusJames, FITD
- President/Chairman of the Council, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria -ICAN, Chief Davidson Alaribe, FCA
- President/Chairman of the Council, Institute of Chartered Secretaries & Administrators of Nigeria –ICSAN, Mrs. Funmi Ekundayo, FCIS
- President & Chairman of Council, Nigeria Institute of Management -NIM, Dr. {Mrs.} Christiana VN Atako, FNIM, NPoM
- Chairman/CEO, Channels TV, Dr. John Momoh, OON Represented by Head of AGM HR & Admin, Mrs. Maryanne Ude, MCIPM.
Director General, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association –NECA, Mr. Wale Smatt-Oyerinde, MCIPM and many more distinguished leaders who honoured us with their esteemed presence and set the stage for impactful conversations in HR and beyond.
For every member who championed this event within your organisations, mobilising delegates and securing sponsorships – your dedication was vital to our success, and we see you, we appreciate you.
This year’s Fellows’ Investiture was especially significant, with 81 new Fellows inducted, marking a historic advancement for our Institute. Congratulations once again to each one of you on achieving this prestigious milestone
As we look forward to the 57th ICE, we are committed to delivering even more enriching experiences, top-tier speakers, and impactful knowledge-sharing that will set the standard for people management across the globe. The feedback survey is already showing positive reviews, but we urge you all to fill it out so that we can serve you even better next year. Let us continue this journey of unity, growth, and shared success, taking CIPM to the world stage and beyond.
Once more, thank you all for standing by us, for contributing in countless ways, and for making ICE 2024 an unforgettable success. We did it together, and together, we will continue breaking boundaries.
Long live CIPM!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
CIPM…we deliver value through people.
Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, FCIPM
President and Chairman of the Governing Council
Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM)
