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About Conference
As the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) continues its commitment to advancing the HR profession in Nigeria and beyond, the Rivers State Branch is hosting its 26th Annual Branch Conference as a 3-day event to equip practitioners with the knowledge, tools, and collaborative opportunities needed to thrive in this new landscape.
The Conference theme, “Future-Driven HR: Harnessing AI, Talent, Leadership and Wellbeing for Sustainable Workplaces,” emphasizes sustainability, adaptability, and holistic HR strategy, combining AI, people, and wellness in a forward-looking tone. The global workplace is undergoing a seismic transformation driven by rapid advances in technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as evolving employee expectations, mental health concerns, and the need for agile leadership. These shifts are redefining the core responsibilities of HR professionals and demanding a new level of strategic engagement.
The Conference theme, “Future-Driven HR: Harnessing AI, Talent, Leadership and Wellbeing for Sustainable Workplaces,” emphasizes sustainability, adaptability, and holistic HR strategy, combining AI, people, and wellness in a forward-looking tone. The global workplace is undergoing a seismic transformation driven by rapid advances in technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as evolving employee expectations, mental health concerns, and the need for agile leadership. These shifts are redefining the core responsibilities of HR professionals and demanding a new level of strategic engagement.
Conference Overview
Conference Objectives:
- Explore the practical implications of AI and automation on the HR function.
- Build strategic leadership and financial acumen among HR managers.
- Promote best practices in talent acquisition, development, and retention in a hybrid world of work.
- Prioritize mental well-being and workplace balance as strategic HR pillars.
- Facilitate meaningful networking and collaboration among HR professionals, thought leaders, and key stakeholders.
Conference Format:
- Day 1 – Virtual (Technology, AI & the Future of Work): Focus on assessing the impact of technology innovations, AI and digital tools on HR roles and structures
- Day 2 – Virtual (Talent & Wellbeing): Interactive sessions around managing modern talent acquisition and fostering employee workplace experience
- Day 3 – Physical (Leadership, Networking & Strategic HR): Adaptive leadership , Panel discussion and Live presentations, guest speakers, Exhibitions and structured networking sessions
Target Audience:
- HR Managers and Directors
- People & Culture Professionals
- Business Leaders and Line Managers
- Government HR stakeholders
- Academics and Students of HR/Management
- HR Tech and Wellness Solution Providers
Expected Outcomes:
- Empowered HR professionals who are tech-savvy, emotionally intelligent, and strategically aligned.
- Increased awareness of ethical, financial, and legal implications of AI in HR.
- Strengthened HR networks across Rivers State and beyond.
- Actionable frameworks for prioritizing employee wellbeing and sustainable productivity.
This conference provides a timely and strategic platform to bridge the gap between technology and humanity in HR practice. It is an opportunity to equip HR professionals not just to adapt—but to lead—in shaping the future of work in Nigeria and across the globe.
Speakers
Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, FCIPM, fnli
President and Chairman of the Governing Council, CIPM
Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi
Vice-Chancellor
Rivers State University
Dr. Akintunde Akinkunmi
Fellow, Royal College of Psychiatrists and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow, United Kingdom
Suoton Bereprebofa
Manager, Employee Relations / Industrial Relations & Employee Communications
Renaissance Africa Energy Company
Adebayo Akinloye, Assc. CIPD, MCIPM, FIMC, CMC
Principal Consultant, ASA Talent & Succession Management Solutions
Henry Unuakpor, MCIPM
HR Accounts Manager, Nigeria LNG
Immediate Past Vice President, CIPM
Certified Global HR Professional
Chibuzor Ejiofor
Senior HR Business Partner
Baker Hughes, West Africa Geo-Market
Gbenga Totoyi
Partner
Alan & Grant
Uche Aniche
Tech and Business Innovation Leader | Former Director of Communication, Imo Economic Summit Group (IESG)
Godswill Eke, ACIPM
Employee/Industrial Relations Advisor
Renaissance Africa Energy Company
Suzi Okpere
Head of Human Resources
Librod Energy Services
Oluwole Fasakin
Predictive Analytics and Business Intelligence Professional
Hosts
Catherine Kadiri, ACIPM, MCIPD
Chairperson
CIPM Rivers State Branch
Orieji Uduma, MCIPD
Vice Chairperson & Planning Lead,
2025 Annual Branch Conference
Conference Schedule
10:00 am
to
10:30 am
Opening Formalities & Introduction
Virtual via Zoom
- Compere
10:30 am
to
12:00 Noon
The AI-Powered HR: Transforming Roles, Driving Results
Virtual via Zoom
- Oluwole Fasakin
12:00 Noon
to
1:30 pm
Stress: The Many Faces of a Silent Killer
Virtual via Zoom
- Dr. Akintunde Akinkunmi
1:30 pm
to
2:00 pm
Closing Formalities / Announcement
Virtual via Zoom
- Compere
10:00 am
to
10:30 am
Opening Formalities & Introduction
Virtual via Zoom
- Compere
10:30 am
to
12:00 Noon
Winning the Talent War: Attraction, Development, and Retention in the New Economy
Virtual via Zoom
- Adebayo Akinloye
12:00 Noon
to
1:30 pm
The Ethics of AI: Data Privacy, Bias & Decision-Making in HR
Virtual via Zoom
- Uche Aniche
1:30 pm
to
2:00 pm
Closing Formalities / Announcement
Virtual via Zoom
- Compere
8:00 am
to
8:45 am
Arrival and Accreditation
Horlikins Event Place
- Compere
8:45 am
to
9:00 am
Call to Order and Protocols
Horlikins Event Place
- Compere
9:00 am
to
9:10 am
National Anthem / Code of Conduct
Horlikins Event Place
- Compere
9:10 am
to
9:20 am
Welcome Address by the Branch Chairman
Horlikins Event Place
- Catherine Kadiri, ACIPM
Chairperson, CIPM Rivers State Branch
9:20 am
to
9:30 am
Opening Remarks by the President of CIPM
Horlikins Event Place
- Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, FCIPM, fnli
President & Chairman of the Governing Council, CIPM
9:30 am
to
11:00 am
Keynote Lecture: “Leading People in an Uncertain World: The Role of HR Executives”
Horlikins Event Place
- Keynote Speaker
11:00 am
to
11:30 am
Tea Break
Horlikins Event Place
- Compere
11:30 am
to
12:30 pm
Second Lecture: “From Traditional to Sapient: The Strategic Shift in HR Leadership”
Horlikins Event Place
- Speaker
12:30 pm
to
1:30 pm
Panel Discussion:
“HR’s Voice at the Table: How HR is Shaping Business Strategy”
Horlikins Event Place
- Panelists
(Featuring Industry Leaders and HR Executives)
1:30 pm
to
2:30 pm
Lunch / Entertainment / Networking
Horlikins Event Place
- Compere
2:30 pm
to
3:30 pm
Closing Session: “Roadmap to the Future: Key Takeaways & Strategic Commitments”
Horlikins Event Place
- Speaker
3:30 pm
to
3:40 pm
Presentation of Conference Communique
Horlikins Event Place
- Rapporteurs
3:40 pm
to
3:50 pm
Closing Remarks
Horlikins Event Place
- Mrs. Chidinma Obiejesi, FCIPM
Vice President, CIPM
3:50 pm
to
4:00 pm
Vote of Thanks
Horlikins Event Place
- Orieji Uduma, MCIPM
Vice Chairperson, CIPM Rivers State Branch / Lead, 2025 Conference Planning Committee
4:00 pm
to
4:05 pm
Closing Prayer
Horlikins Event Place
- Compere
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Raffle Draw Prizes
Snapshots From Last Conference
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