FG to work with professional bodies on human capital development – SGF

George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has challenged professional associations in the Country to come up with human capital development programmes tailored towards improving service delivery and productivity of the nation’s workforce.

“The Federal Government will be more than willing to partner with the Institute in this direction,” said Akume, who was represented by Babatunde Bolaji Benard, senior special assistant to the SGF, at the investiture of Abimbola Ayuba, a retired Commodore as the 25th President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) Institute, held in Lagos on Wednesday.

He also urged the Institute to extend a hand of fellowship to all levels of Government and to sustain its current efforts in ensuring professionalism and good ethical conduct among its members and Nigerians.

“I am convinced that the government will appreciate the involvement of the Institute in the key function areas of governance where the services of professional bodies are needed. I also trust that you will avail our administration of your professional services whenever you are called upon,” Akume said.

The SGF also called on other professional and corporate bodies in the Country to emulate NIM’s kind gesture by lending their support to the Tinubu led administration instead of sitting by to criticise every attempt at governance. “It is by synergising with the government that we can all build the Nigeria of our dreams,” he said.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State governor, stated that Ayuba’s tenure would undoubtedly bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that would enrich the Institute and, by extension, Nigeria’s workforce.

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According to him, the Nigerian Institute of Management has for decades been at the forefront of championing best practices in management, fostering professional growth, and enhancing national development.

“We have no doubt that Commodore’s wealth of experience, his strategic mindset, and his unrelenting drive will steer the Institute towards new heights. Leadership is not about titles. It is about input,” stated Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the secretary to the state government (SSG).

Abimbola Ayuba, in his inaugural address as the 25th President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Management (chartered), said the Institute is ready to initiate and implement policies in collaboration with the FG to better position management practice in the Country.

“We are strongly hoping for a policy that will compel all government appointees in strategic management positions to undergo a process of management orientation which the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) is prepared to initiate, innovate and collaborate with the Federal Government to implement,” he said.

He said further that the Institute would promote a culture of inclusion, tolerance, and understanding. According to him, the NIM would not be swayed by divisive rhetoric or actions that seek to undermine Nigeria’s unity and cohesion. “We shall stay resolute in our resolve to ensure that we remain ‘the Source and Symbol of Management Excellence’.

Awwal Gambo, the immediate past chief of Naval Staff and keynote speaker, said Nigeria’s rapidly growing youth population estimated at 160 million and accounting for 70% of the country’s populace represents a formidable asset for national development.

According to him, harnessing the potential of youth through the strategic application of emerging technologies in management would significantly enhance efficiency and drive progress. He said further that the Institute must advocate for the overhauling of educational curricula to incorporate courses in artificial intelligence, coding, and digital entrepreneurship.

“Emerging technologies, when strategically leveraged, can transform management practices, improve efficiency, and drive economic growth. However, we must also address challenges such as resistance to change, cybersecurity risks, and ethical concerns,” Gambo said.