The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria has honoured Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu with its fellowship award, commending the state’s investment in workforce development.
The institute disclosed this in a news release on Thursday, saying the governor was formally decorated during a meeting with a delegation led by its President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Ahmed Gobir, at the State House, Marina, Lagos.
The honour followed the conferment of the Fellowship at the institute’s 58th International Conference and Exhibition, where Lagos State recorded the largest delegation, comprising more than 500 civil servants.
During the meeting, Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to human capital development, pledging to sustain the state’s participation in CIPM programmes and activities beyond his tenure.
He said he would include the commitment in his handover note to the next administration to ensure continuity in the state’s investment in professional development.
The pledge highlights the importance of sustaining workforce training across changes in government, particularly in the public sector, where employee skills and institutional capacity can influence the quality and efficiency of service delivery.
CIPM promotes professional standards and development in human resource management, providing platforms for practitioners and organisations to strengthen workforce capabilities.
Speaking during the visit, Sanwo-Olu commended the institute for its contributions to the advancement of human resource management and professional development in Nigeria, describing it as a critical partner in building the capacity of the nation’s workforce.
He also praised the successful hosting of the 58th International Conference and Exhibition, noting that the annual gathering provides opportunities for knowledge sharing, professional development and capacity building for employees in the public and private sectors.
The governor expressed satisfaction with the growing number of Lagos State public servants embracing CIPM membership and professional development opportunities, describing human capital development as a central pillar of his administration’s development agenda.
He commended the leadership of the Lagos State Civil Service, led by the Head of Service, Bode Agoro, for promoting professionalism and encouraging public servants to develop their skills and competencies through recognised professional institutions.
Reflecting on his fellowship, Sanwo-Olu praised the institute’s membership and selection process, arguing that its requirements gave the recognition credibility.
“The process shows that CIPM does not just confer Fellowship on anyone, but on those who truly deserve it,” he said.
Earlier, Gobir congratulated the governor on the conferment and commended his consistent support for human capital development and the advancement of the human resource profession.
He explained that the Fellowship recognises distinguished professionals and leaders who have met the institute’s prescribed professional and leadership requirements.
Gobir also commended Sanwo-Olu for facilitating the participation of more than 500 Lagos State civil servants in the recently concluded 58th International Conference and Exhibition, noting that the state had the largest delegation at the event.
He described the participation as evidence of the state government’s commitment to workforce development and continuous learning.
According to the CIPM president, Lagos State demonstrates how deliberate investment in people can strengthen institutions and improve public sector performance. He also acknowledged the contributions of the state’s civil service leadership to fostering professionalism and a culture of lifelong learning.
The visit pointed out the value of sustained collaboration between Lagos State and CIPM in advancing professional excellence, strengthening workforce capacity and promoting human capital development as a driver of economic growth and effective governance.
Sanwo-Olu’s pledge to document the commitment in his handover note is intended to encourage the next administration to maintain the state’s participation in the institute’s programmes, although the statement did not specify funding arrangements or targets for future participation.
