CIPM urges collaboration for sustainable growth

The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) has called for stronger strategic collaboration between Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Human Resource (HR) leaders as a critical pathway to achieving sustainable business growth.

This call was made at the recently concluded 2025 CEO/CHRO/HRD Forum, held in Lagos, under the theme: “Building Strategic Partnerships: The Roles of CEOs and HR in Organisations.” The event brought together top executives and HR professionals to explore the evolving role of HR in shaping organisational success.

HR + Leadership: A Winning Formula

In his opening remarks, Ahmed Gobir, CIPM President and Chairman of the Governing Council, stressed the need for alignment between leadership and people strategy.

“When leadership and people strategy hit the same rhythm, organisations do not just survive; they soar, scale, and set standards,” Gobir noted.

He urged leaders to break down organisational silos and adopt collaborative frameworks that enhance innovation, drive productivity, and build resilient corporate cultures.

Reimagining HR as a Strategic Partner

Delivering the keynote address, Oyeyimika Adeboye, Managing Director of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, described HR as a vital strategic partner in delivering on corporate vision and sustaining value creation.

“The CEO provides strategic direction and authority, while the HR Director orchestrates the people and change management dimensions, ensuring buy-in at all levels,” she stated.

Adeboye challenged HR leaders to evolve beyond administrative roles such as payroll and compliance, and instead champion employee development, succession planning, and change management.

Navigating Change Through Alignment

Forum speakers collectively emphasised that the alignment of human capital strategy with business objectives is more important than ever — particularly in today’s climate of digital transformation, economic volatility, and changing workforce expectations.

The event highlighted the growing consensus that people-centric leadership is key to building resilient, high-performing organisations.