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Tag: professionals

  • Nigeria must do all to halt emigration of medical professionals – Haroun

    Nigeria must do all to halt emigration of medical professionals – Haroun

    CEO of Love for Health Organisation Dr Yusuf Haroun has called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to address the mass emigration of medical professional.

    Over the past few years, Nigeria has experienced a sharp increase in the number of healthcare professionals leaving for better opportunities abroad.

    The reasons are manifold: better pay,
    improved working conditions, access to advanced technology, and more opportunities for career development.

    This alarming trend has left many Nigerian hospitals understaffed and overwhelmed,
    particularly in public health institutions that already struggle with limited resources.

    The effects of this brain drain are already being felt across the country. Patients are facing longer waiting times, fewer specialists, and declining quality of care.

    With Nigeria’s healthcare system already burdened by high maternal and infant mortality rates, infectious disease outbreaks, and a growing number of non-communicable diseases,
    the loss of medical personnel is further exacerbating these challenges.

    The country’s doctor-to-patient ratio, already dangerously low at 1 doctor for every 5,000 patients, is now even further from the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of 1 doctor for every 600 patients.

    The prominent health care provider believes the solution lies in addressing the root causes driving medical professionals away.

    He emphasised the need for improved working conditions, competitive salaries and better medical infrastructure.

    Many Nigerian healthcare workers feel disillusioned by the lack of equipment, poor facilities and insufficient funding for research and professional development, which often drives them to seek better opportunities abroad.

    “Our healthcare workers are some of the best trained in the world, but they are not being given the tools and resources they need to succeed here in Nigeria,” Haroun lamented.

    He called on the government to implement incentive programs that would encourage medical professionals to remain in the country.

    These incentives could include housing benefits, tax breaks and opportunities for continued education and specialisation.

    In addition to financial incentives, Haroun highlighted the importance of creating a more supportive work environment, where healthcare workers feel valued and respected for their contributions.

    Read Also: Bamidele: I’m not working against Yoruba’s interest

    Despite the current challenges, Haroun remains optimistic that Nigeria can reverse the trend of medical emigration.

    “We have a talented pool of medical professionals who are passionate about making a difference. If we can address the factors driving them away, we will not only prevent their emigration but also attract those who have already left to return and contribute to the growth of our healthcare system,” he emphasised.

    Haroun, popularly known as Dr. Love on social media, is a distinguished healthcare professional with a wealth of experience in both clinical practice and healthcare administration.

    He holds a First Class Honors MBA in Healthcare Administration from Franklin University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.

    Further enhancing his expertise, he earned a certification in General Psychiatric Management (GPM) for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) from the prestigious Harvard Medical School.

    Haroun’s medical foundation is rooted in his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.

    This strong educational background has equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare systems.

    From 2015 to 2017, Haroun worked as a licensed medical professional in Saudi Arabia, where he gained invaluable international experience in a diverse healthcare environment.

    This global perspective shaped his approach to healthcare delivery, prompting his subsequent move to the USA to pursue advanced postgraduate studies and further his professional development.

    In addition to his clinical and administrative expertise, Haroun is the CEO and founder of Love for Health Organization, a global healthcare initiative dedicated to improving access to quality healthcare, particularly for underserved communities around the world. Under his leadership, the organization continues to impact global health outcomes by addressing critical healthcare disparities and promoting sustainable solutions.

  • Igbo lawyers, professionals back Atiku’s choice of Obi

    AN association of lawyers who are  Igbo, the Otu  Oka-Iwu (Law Society), has backed the choice of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi as running mate to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

    After its executive committee emergency meeting on the state of the nation, the group congratulated the two, expressing confidence that Obi would make a capable Vice President.

    Also, another group, the League of Anambra Professionals (LAP), chaired by Mr Chijioke Okoli (SAN), said Obi would strengthen the opposition, which is vital for a virile democracy.

    Otu Oka-Iwu, in a statement by its President Chief Chuks Ikokwu, described as “totally uncalled for and misguided” the opposition of the PDP South East Governors to Obi’s selection.

    “We believe that Mr. Obi is eminently qualified for the position and will, if elected, make very meaningful contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria, especially given his widely acknowledged track record as Anambra State Governor.

    “It is even more untenable when the reason for the opposition is predicated on the claim by the governors that they ‘were not consulted’.

    “We believe that it is the prerogative of the presidential candidate to choose whoever he feels comfortable to work with. We, however, appeal to the governors to accept the decision in the interest of the Igbo Nation.

    “We urge all political actors to work towards deepening the democratic process, upholding of the rule of law and enthronement of good governance for the good and well-being of Nigerians.

    “For this to happen, the Otu Oka-Iwu insists that the present unitary structure of government is unsustainable and must therefore be abandoned for true federalism which ensured progress and prosperity before the military interregnum,” the group said.

    LAP, in a statement by Okoli and Publicity Secretary Emeka Nwadioke, said: “While the governors are entitled to ventilate any grievances they may have against the appointment process, it is worrisome that they chose to escalate the matter in the public domain instead of first engaging in discrete consultations towards an amicable resolution.

    “It is not as if they sought audience with Mr.Atiku Abubakar over the matter and were rebuffed. The issue was a very sensitive one and should have been approached accordingly especially considering that Atiku Abubakar as the PDP Presidential flag-bearer has the prerogative to choose his running mate.

    “It is highly misconceived for the South East PDP Governors to attempt to deprive Mr. Abubakar of his right to nominate whoever he thinks he can work best with.

    “At any rate, it has not been said that Mr. Obi lacks the capacity to discharge the roles of that office or that he has any moral handicaps that may imperil his performance in office. It is therefore difficult to fault the appointment based solely on the allegation that the Governors were not consulted.

    “Democracy thrives best with a strong opposition, and Mr. Obi’s presence on his party’s presidential ticket for the coming elections obviously strengthens it.

    “We advise all the stakeholders, the populace, the relevant organs of state like INEC and security agencies and political actors-especially the Governors-to close ranks in the interest of the country and work towards ensuring that all Nigerians benefit from the dividends of democracy.”

    But, an Owerri-based lawyer Mr Declan Madu has advised the Igbos to shun primordial sentiment in their celebration.

    He said if Obi can repeat what he did then at the federal level, that would be good for the nation.

    “But for the mere fact that he is an Igbo is not my consideration because hunger does not differentiate between an Igbo, Yoruba or Hausa.

    “If the road is not good and there is no power supply, it does not make any difference whether you are Igbo or Yoruba,” Madu said.

  • Bayelsa, professionals fault minister on N800b debt

    Stakeholders under the auspices of Association of Bayelsa Professionals  (ABP) yesterday called on the Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, to prove his claims that Bayelsa’s internal debt was N800 billion.

    Lokpobiri and the Bayelsa State government have been trading words on the state’s debt profile.

    The minister claimed the state’s internal debts stood at N800 billion, instead of the N123 billion reported by the Debt Management Office (DMO).

    Despite the DMO’s report and clarifications by the government, Lokpobiri insisted he stood by his figures, threatening to make details of his claims public.

    ABP is concerned about  the conflicting figures and asked the minister to provide evidence of his claims.

    The association’s General-Secretary, Jasper Timiebi, said in a statement the body intervened because of the misleading dimension of the claim.

    Timiebi noted that while the state quoted a debt of N123 billion, which members verified and found to be the same as DMO’s, the body was curious that Lokpobiri insisted the state borrowed N800 billion.

    The secretary said challenged Lokpobiri to go beyond threats and give details of the N800 billion, and supply names of the financial institutions that gave out the loans.

    He noted that the association has a duty to prevent the people from a wild odium of misinformation peddled by the minister.

    According to him, the association’s findings showed that the government had not borrowed any foreign loan from 2012 to date, but had bilateral commitments with international finance bodies, such as World Bank.

    He said such commitments were for projects, whose funds were handled by internal finance agencies in accordance with their terms.

    Timiebi said Lokpobiri’s insistence on the N800 billion figure without additional information backing his claim amounted to peddling misinformation.

    He enjoined Lokpobiri to act in consonance with the ethical demands of his office to avoid feeding Bayelsans with falsehood because of desperation for political advantage.

    “The Association òf Bayelsa Professionals has observed with concern the needless controversy generated by the Minister of State for Agriculture, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, on the Bayelsa State debt profile.

    The Bayelsa State government  yesterday announced the receipt of N24.16 billion from the Parish Club debt refund.

    Commissioner for Information and Orientation Markson Iworiso-Markson, in a statement, said Dickson had directed immediate payment of  two months out of outstanding three salary arrears to workers and fourth months out seven months pensioners arrears to pensioners in the state.

    The commissioner said that while the state government got N21.94 billion, the local government received N2.22 billion from the receipts from the Parish Club Debt refunds.

    He said: “The Debt Management Office, (a federal Institution) in its June 2018 report stated that the debt portfolio of the state was N123 billion. This figure includes contingent liabilities which included contract payments and pension obligations. We advise Lokpobiri to educate himself or engage a brilliant young graduate to assist him.

    “While the government is making every effort to achieve massive developmental strides in every area, government wish to condemn the unguarded statements of some highly placed individuals.

    “The recent unsubstantiated statement of the Minister of State for Agriculture that the State is owing N800 billion is disappointing for someone of his high office and its disgraceful. As a minster for agriculture, he needs to inform Bayelsans of the impact he has made even in his local government area.”

  • Professionals Forum holds

    All is set for the Insurance Professional’s Forum scheduled for September 19 to 22 in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

    The event, being organised by the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), has as theme, “The insurance industry: Beyond limits”.

    A statement by the organising committee said: “At this year’s forum seasoned professionals will be doing justice to topics, which include ‘Market development and expectations from insurance stakeholders; The insurance industry vision, barriers and innovation for resurgence; Insurance industry code of ethics – A review and the role of ethics in professional development. Special focus will also be given to work life balance and workforce mental health in an event which offers immense opportunities for robust deliberations on the issues pertinent to the growth and development of the Insurance industry, the profession and practice.’’

    Some of the speakers for the forum include Commissioner for Insurance, Alhaji Muhammad Kari; Managing Director, FBNInsurance, Mr Valentine Ojumah; former Managing Director, Old Mutual General Insurance Co Limited, Mrs Rachel Voke Emenike, Managing Director, Custodian and Allied Insurance PLC, Oluwole Oshin.

    Others are Managing Director, Leadway Assurance Co Limited, Oye Hassan-Odukale; former Managing Director, Olusola Ladipo-Ajayi and a member of the Chartered Insurance Institute, United Kingdom, Jeremy Mullen.

    The institute’s President Eddie Efekoha enjoined professionals to see the forum as a unique opportunity for their continuous professional education and personal growth. He opined that attending the Forum should be instinctive action for all professionals and charged professionals to attend in their multitude in order to ensure that this year’s edition, the 27th edition witnesses a record attendance.

  • PDP members, professionals join Lagos APC

    The membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State swelled yesterday with defection of some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Also, some members of the Road Transporters Employers Association (RTEAN), Faith-Based Community Birth Attendants, Association for Formidable Education Development, comprising teachers and owners of private schools, Association of Traditional Midwifery of Nigeria and Association of Hairdressers have declared support for the APC and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

    At a ceremony at the party’s secretariat in Ikeja, the state capital, the new members pledged to work for APC’s success in next year’s general elections.

    The Chairman of Southwest PDP Movement, Mr Elijah Awodeyi, who defected with over 500 members to the APC, said they were excited by the performance of Governor Ambode to join the party.

    Awodeyi said: “We have seen the type of schools, roads and hospitals the Ambode administration is putting in place in the state. Since APC is working and Lagos is working, we decided to join the APC.”

    Lagos State APC Chairman, Alhaji Tunde Balogun congratulated the new members for joining APC.

    He said it was a party for the progressives who are concerned about the welfare of the people.

    The chairman said this was the reason Ambode has been performing wonders across the state.

    Balogun said the new members resolved to be part of the good work the APC administration was doing in the state, hence their decision to join the party.

    He said: “I must congratulate you for leaving darkness for light. You will not regret your decision in joining APC. All benefits accruing to old members of APC will be extended to you. There will be no discrimination.”

    The chairman urged the new members, who had not registered, to register at their wards.

    Balogun implored those without the Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) to register with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enable them vote in 2019.

    Members of the faith-based Community Birth Attendants stood up and waved their PVCs to show the party leaders that they were prepared for next year’s polls.

    Balogun presented APC’s flags to leaders of the defectors.

    They included Awodeyi, who led the PDP defectors; Bishop R. A. Oguntunwase, for Faith- Based Community Birth Attendants; Prince Tajudeen Olusesi, President of Association of Traditional Midwifery of Nigeria; Alhaji Rahaman Amusan of RTEAN; Mrs Ifejola Dada, leader of Association for Formidable Education Development and Mrs Surat Abari-Ajibola, President of Hair Dressers Association.

    Those at the event included APC Deputy Chairman, Chief Sunny Ajose; APC Secretary, Dr Wale Ahmed; Chief Funso Ologunde (Vice Chairman, Lagos West); Ashipa Kaoli Olusanya (Vice Chairman, Lagos East); Alhaji Hakeem Bamgbola (Vice Chairman, Lagos Central); Women Leader, Mrs Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas, members of Lagos State House of Assembly and some local government chairmen.

  • Oloyede inspires professionals with Strictly Speaking

    She has made her mark in broadcasting. Bimbo Oloyede (nee Robert) along with Siene Allwell Brown, Ruth Benemesia-Opia and Ronke Ayuba, among others, were the golden ‘girls’ of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in the late 1970s. Today, Mrs Oloyede is boosting professionalism with books on effective communication, Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports.

    ASIDE dedicating the last 20 years to training broadcasters, executives, diplomats and corporate clients in presentation, communication and public speaking, Mrs Bimbo Oloyede is passionate about promoting professionalism in broadcasting.

    Driven by a desire to restore quality to the profession, she has put her experiences into a book and audio formats as tools for making readers better communicators and attain mastery of the English Language.

    She believes that articulation and effective communication are efficient tools that strengthen personal and corporate development, which promotes educational advancement, enhances dynamic information dissemination and good governance. However, she is worried by the poor quality of news casting among young professionals.

    Oloyede, who spoke in Lagos during a chat on her new book, Strictly Speaking (Presentation Made Easy), said she was giving back to the industry that made her a fulfilled professional. She stated that as a professional with a strong tradition of effective communication where details matter, she could not but share her wealth of experience with the younger generation.

    The book will be presented to the public on June 25, at the AGIP Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos. The event will be chaired by Dr Christopher Kolade.

    Oloyede said as a practitioner in the broadcast industry, she is concerned with the falling standards of presentation and pronunciation in the air waves as well as the poor performance of public officials within our public space.

    Strictly Speaking is, therefore, her contribution towards re-awakening the first part of the effective communication process and a practical way of improving the standard of spoken and written English, which is after all, Nigeria’s official language. “At my age and stage, I believe that I am not only duty bound to encourage and facilitate high levels of professionalism within the broadcast industry but I also think I should try to nip the problem in the bud by reaching out to students to improve their ability to pronounce English words properly and express themselves more fluently,” she said.

    She recalled that when she was leaving NTA, the question of what to do next came up, during which she decided to put her experiences and observations in print and audio formats.

    “Strictly speaking is a concept that emerged as  a result of a need, which I identified within the nation’s education, information, corporate and entertainment sectors, based upon my observations, interaction and experience which I have garnered from working as a broadcast professional for over four decades. I have been training for over 20 years and have interacted with so many people. When I was going to end my career in broadcasting, the question came on; what next? I then decided that I would put my observations and experiences on paper and in audio formats.

    “Ultimately, it is my wish to promote clarity, diction and professional standards across the country and I believe that Strictly Speaking (Pronunciation made easy) and its sequel Strictly Speaking – an oral guide for schools and colleges are a major steps towards achieving my aim,” she added.

    Oloyede disclosed that she introduced a CD with specially designed speech exercises to the book, because she is aware that it is very easy to forget the sounds of English, especially in an environment like ours, where different languages are spoken. She however hopes that after listening and practicing, readers will have a better understanding of the rhythm and sounds of English and consequently become more proficient in the pronunciation of English words. But she noted that she does not claim to know how to pronounce every English word.

    According to the author, ‘the book is an adventurous journey into vocal gymnastics-the type that will enable you to land safely on your feet, with your head held high, teeth intact and smiling with style and panache.’

    Published in 2016, the book is designed to help non-native speakers of English – students and professionals alike – improve their speech, become better communicators and attain mastery of a language spoken globally. It explores the origin of English Language, its phonetic alphabets, sounds and symbols, stress patterns, English expressions and explores the concept of ‘Nigerian English.’

    Her second book, Strictly Speaking (An Oral Guide for school and colleges), she said, is written specifically for secondary schools and colleges pupils, who require more technical information and detail about the elements of oral English. She noted that though the book is still on production line, it provides practical examples and exercises to help students in preparing for examinations. “I do hope I will be able to present it alongside Strictly Speaking on June 25. Let me reiterate that the Strictly Speaking series is a resource material for people across all sectors and industries,” she said.

    On the impact of Pidgin English on speaking right

    “Pidgin in my estimation is also a language. Even within the confines of  Pidgin, there are variants ranging from Warri, Benin, Isale-Eko (Lagos) and Kano. But, let us give it to the stations that have decided to communicate in Pidgin English. No one can criticise them. However, many broadcasters in such stations still return to English language many a time because it is difficult for them to sustain conversation in Pidgin English.

    “I always advise broadcasters that when they are coming to a radio or television station, they should drop any language other than English that they know. In fact, forget it as soon as you enter the station. This is because the sound of other languages remains in your brain such that if you have been speaking to someone in Pidgin English 10 minutes before going on air, the sounds of Pidgin English are still reverberating in your ears.

    “Our languages are so tonal that those tones leave imprint in your brain. It is not in our interest as broadcasters to speak in languages other than English once you get to premises of the stations because of those latent influences.”

    She said: Missing link in training young broadcasters, If there is, it is the practical aspects. Some of these schools have radio and studios. But, how much attention is given to pronunciation? How much monitoring is done by lecturers when it comes to speech? Then how much importance do students attach to ability to speak correctly?  Again, these days anything goes, but we have a responsibility to make effort to do it right because we are in a global village.”

    On what will be her priority if appointed to head NBC, she said: “My priority will be paying attention to details so that the standard that we had can be brought back and we will maintain it. Many years ago, people read papers, such as Daily Times, when studying for examination. People are inspired by what they read, saw and watched in the media to be journalists.”

  • Surveyors challenge professionals at product platform launch

    Determined to checkmate the activities of quacks in the building and construction industry, the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) through its Faculty of Estate Agency and Marketing, has launched a Multiple Listing Site for members to have contact with buyers of real estate products.

    At the unveiling of the website in Lagos, the chairman of the occasion, Emeka Eleh, an estate surveyor and valuer, described the initiative as worthwhile, noting that it is something that members have been expecting for a longtime.

    He lauded the Faculty of Estate Agency and Marketing, a business division of NIESV for berthing the dream which, he said, would  promote credibility in real estate transactions.

    Speaking on the initiative, the chairman, Faculty of Estate Agency and Marketing, Sam Eboigbe, noted that the website is for NIESV members nationwide to advertise lands, and property in Nigeria and abroad. He stressed that the scheme would redeem the already bastardised name and promote easy identification of the core professionals who will render truthful service.

    “We have decided to do things more professionall and efficiently to ensure that we serve our clients all over Nigeria. Here you are dealing with professionals who are regulated by law. If you engage with us directly, you won’t pay us fees. About 400 members are already registered on the platform. It will be beneficial to our clients and our members. We have codes to follow on the platform and if you don’t follow the codes, you will be disqualified”, he stated.

    In a lecture, the Chief Executive Officer of Corporate Shepherds Limited, Idorenyen Enang, stressed that activities of quacks in the profession have made it difficult to differentiate between the professionals and those who are not supposed to be in the trade. He stated that what needs to be done at the moment is to identify and establish brand positioning as well as brainstorm on ideas and technologies that would turn the fortune of the business for good.

    Delivering a lecture on the theme: Business Frontiers in the real estate industry,  Enang suggested that what needs to be done is to identify and establish brand positioning and brainstorm on ideas and technologies that would make the profession more profitable amid the economic challenges.

    “NIESV should build great brand, this must have staying power, authentic, and maintain consistency which is about building credibility that is communicated to everyone. You should not commoditise your profession but make it a brand. You must articulate a vision; define your value proposition, the unique value you’re offering to the clients, create a good identity, logo and communicate your brand with consistent value offering. Positioning is the way we want consumers to think and feel about our brand. NIESV needs to know that positioning is often the difference between marketing success and a failure. What makes a brand include; memorability, meaningfulness, likability, adaptability and protectability”, he stated

    In his presentation on: “New opportunities, prospects, compliance and proposals”, a Principal Partner of Gbenga Olaniyan & Associate, Mr. Gbenga Olaniyan, explained that members should develop the types of property that the people require, offer flexible payment plan because of the market and  form partnerships to consult for investment clubs.

    He noted that some of the opportunities to explore include facility management, research, virtual office development, guaranteed rents, auctioneering, concessions in ‘A’ grade property letting, portfolio optimisation consultancy, among others.

  • Yuletide: Professionals present gifts to less privileged in Ekiti

    A group of professionals in Ekiti State, under the aegis of E-11, has presented gifts to the less privileged in the state.

    It made donations to the needy in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, as well as at nearby Iyin-Ekiti as part of its end-of-the-year activities and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

    Inmates of Ekiti State Relief and Rehabilitation Centre in Ado-Ekiti and those of the Erelu Adebayo Children’s Home at Iyin-Ekiti got gifts from the group.

    Items donated included bags of rice, noodles, clothes, tubers of yam, plastic buckets and other items.

    E-11 Chairman, Chief Kola Akosile, who led the delegation, said part of the responsibilities of the group was assisting the needy.

    Akosile said: “At this time of festivities, we are here to show our love for the needy. The need to show love and help the less privileged necessitated the step we are taking today.

    “We should not look at them as outcasts because they are people like us. Government alone cannot do it; so, we are also doing this to support them.”

    The resident officer of Ekiti State Rehabilitation Centre expressed appreciation to E-11 for the gesture and for celebrating with the less privileged.

    At the Erelu Adebayo Home in Iyin-Ekiti, Mrs Ajayi Olayinka, who received the items, also expressed appreciation to E-11 for visiting the children and making the donations.

    Those in the entourage included the club’s Secretary, Seyi Aiyeleso and a former Deputy speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Chief Tunji Orisalade as well as Mr. Tunde Dada, Mr. Sunday Olajide, Mrs Toyin Ajakaiye, Mrs Funke Owoseni and Prince Bolu Aladesanmi.

     

  • Professionals in Ondo canvass diversification

    A socio-cultural group of professionals, Noble Leadership Initiatives (NLI), has urged the Ondo State government to diversify the economy to enable it boost its income generation drive.

    In a communique issued after its meeting in Akure, the state capital, NLI advised the commissioners and special advisers to bring out plans to enable them render selfless service to residents.

    The communique was signed by NLI Facilitator, Adeyemi Adeyonu, and Secretary Osunkiyesi Akinwale.

    Congratulating Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) and his State Executive Council (Exco), NLI advised them to use their positions to serve humanity.

    It urged the Exco to focus on diversification of the economy and other issues affecting welfare.

    NLI added that security, job creation, industrialisation and re-positioning of the state’s collapsed infrastructure required urgent attention.

    It expressed confidence in the ability of the government to deliver on its election promises.

    NLI said: “We are hopeful that we can rely on your commitments and assurances to carry out the most anticipated reforms so that the state can recover from its challenges occasioned by bad governance.”

  • Why professionals can’t continue to shun politics, by Emmanuel

    Why professionals can’t continue to shun politics, by Emmanuel

    •ExxonMobil Executive Director Inoyo is CIPM President

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel has urged professionals in the private sector to take interest in the public service to ensure that the democratic system is strengthened.

    Emmanuel, who spoke at the investiture of Mr. Udom Inoyo as  President of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, explained that having more private sector professionals in the political system would tidy up the political process.

    “In mature democracies and economies public service attracts the best in those societies. As professionals in politics, we  can start a new conversation that is predicated on selfless service to our people and in the process show that government and governance can indeed be a force for good,” he remarked.

    Emmanuel, while comparing process in the public and private sector, said recruitment and appointment in the private sector is mostly based on merit and driven by set criteria; unlike in the public sector, where election and appointment into positions are based on a number of other complicated balancing acts.

    The governor, who revealed that in his more than two years in office, he has learnt new dynamics in human relations and management, said although it takes twice as much hard work in the public sector to manage passions that may have been shaped by zero-sum tendencies, he said what is most important is for leaders, irrespective of the criteria that threw up the members of their team, the team combination and dynamics, must still be able to lead them towards achieving set goals.

    “While this task is much easier and straightforward in the private sector considering set standards and criteria which are adhered to by all players, it is a lot more challenging in the public sector considering the multiplicity of contending considerations,” he explained, adding that this divergence in practices and approaches between the public and private sectors suggests that players in both sectors have a lot to learn from each other, and hence, the need for continuous collaboration between the two sectors.

    Emmanuel said he has directed the state’s Head of Service (HOS) to initiate the process of collaboration with the CIPM towards enhancing the professionalism, competency and capability development and certification of officers who are in administrative roles the state’s civil service. He promised to monitor the programme as well as the effectiveness of those trained and certified.

    Emmanuel, while congratulating Inoyo, assured the body that with its new president, the institute is assured of continuous adherence to professional standards and unwavering commitment to integrity- values he noted have stood the institute out as a premier training facility for professionals.

    Inoyo called for increased collaboration between the private sector and government to leap-frog human capacity development in Nigeria.

    He observed that Nigeria’s huge population is its biggest asset and to fully harness the human potential, there is need for government and the organised private sector to strengthen partnerships with a view to better manage the abundant human resources for improved productivity and profitability. “When human resources are well managed, bottom-line will be impacted”, he added.

    The new President  called for collaborative efforts among governments and other stakeholders, such as CIPM for effective human capital utilisation.

    Inoyo said: “There is need for more engagement between government and professional organisations such as CIPM towards developing human talent. The CIPM was established to regulate the practice of human resource management in Nigeria and to promote excellence in the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills by professionals thereby enhancing sustainable national development.

    Inoyo, who is executive director, Human Resources at ExxonMobil, pledged to work with the Akwa Ibom State government and other partners and stakeholders to enhance human capacity development across Nigeria.

    The immediate past president, Mr. Anthony Arabome, commended the institute’s succession process. He said over the years, the institute has taken deliberate steps to enhance an early realisation of its vision of being a foremost people management organisation.