The President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Human Resources Management of Nigeria (CIHRM), Mr. Olufemi Omoyele, has urged human resources professionals to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) while keeping people at the centre of workplace decisions. He made the call on Thursday at the opening of the two-day 2026 CIHRM National Conference in Abuja, saying the changing world of work requires technology to be used with a human face.
Speaking at the conference, themed “Shaping the Future of Meaningful Work: HR Imperative,” Omoyele said widening generational gaps, the growing use of AI and the rise of hybrid work have reshaped the workplace, making HR professionals central to helping organisations attract, retain and develop talent in an evolving work environment.
Omoyele said younger generations are redefining the purpose of work, while AI continues to automate tasks across different industries. He added that hybrid work has become the new normal, with employees increasingly seeking opportunities to upskill and reskill to remain relevant in the changing workplace.
“The world of work is changing faster than ever, and achieving meaningful work is becoming more complex,” he said.
According to him, work has become the key driver for attracting, retaining and improving employee performance, placing HR professionals at the centre of workplace transformation.
In his welcome address, the Registrar of CIHRM, Mr. Abiodun Oni, said the conference provides participants with opportunities for learning, collaboration and professional networking.
Oni said the gathering brought together HR practitioners and thought leaders to exchange innovative ideas, explore emerging workplace trends and strengthen professionalism in the ever-changing world of work.
He said the conference theme highlights the need for HR professionals to move beyond being stewards of employment to becoming stewards of meaningful work.
“Meaningful work is where purpose meets performance. As human resources professionals, we are not just custodians of people policies. We are architects of the future workforce and stewards of human potential,” Oni said.
He added that the future of work would not be defined by technology alone but by the quality of leadership guiding its adoption.
According to Oni, HR professionals have the responsibility to build workplaces where productivity is matched with purpose, innovation is driven by inclusion and success is achieved while preserving human dignity.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Andrew Adejo, represented by the Director of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, Mrs. Ogidi-Paul, commended CIHRM for organising the conference.
Ogidi-Paul said a high-performing public service is not an administrative luxury but a critical foundation for national development. She noted that recruitment should be based on competence and organisational alignment rather than qualifications alone.
According to her, human resources contribute directly to national development by building the knowledge, skills, values and leadership needed to achieve national priorities.
She added that HR productivity is driven by the effective alignment of people, technology and incentives to deliver measurable results, while creating an environment that encourages innovation, creativity and problem-solving.
Ogidi-Paul further said effective human resources management strengthens institutional trust, promotes continuity and supports sustainable national development.
