CIPM Urges Civil Servants to Uphold Professionalism, Integrity for National Growth

 

The President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, has urged Nigerian civil servants to uphold professionalism, ethical conduct, and a spirit of service as essential tools for driving national development.

Gobir made the call while speaking virtually at the CIPM Kwara State Branch Annual Public Lecture and the launch of its maiden newsletter in Ilorin.

He stressed that true leadership is measured not by titles but by the impact individuals make through service.

“Leadership and excellence are not about titles but about the impact we make. Always try to make your presence noticed, but your absence felt. That is what professionalism, service, and growth are all about—making a lasting impact that speaks long after we are gone,” he said.

Describing professionalism as the foundation of institutional excellence, Gobir noted that it goes beyond daily duties to include values, ethics, and purpose.

“As professionals and public servants, we are custodians of trust and integrity—unseen architects who shape performance and culture,” he added.

Citing a World Bank report indicating that over 70 percent of Nigeria’s budget goes to recurrent expenditure, mostly on personnel costs, he expressed concern that productivity levels do not reflect the heavy investment.

“This is not a story of failure but of opportunities—to reimagine the civil service as an engine of innovation, ethics, and performance,” he stated.

He emphasized the need for continuous learning and capacity development to reform the civil service, saying, “Service without standards is sentiment, and growth without ethics is dangerous.”

Gobir further highlighted CIPM’s commitment to digital transformation, capacity building, and policy advocacy, adding that “growth is not accidental—it is intentional and strategic.”

Also speaking at the event, Permanent Secretary for Service Welfare at the Kwara State Office of the Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Shittu Olufunke Mercy, urged public servants to adopt modern work practices that enhance productivity and efficiency.

“Kwara is predominantly a civil service state, and there is a need to review and modernize how we work. Globally, there has been a revolution in work processes, and we must catch up by adopting HR analytics and smarter methods that make our work more efficient,” she said.

Dr. Shittu identified punctuality, diligence, confidentiality, and integrity as core civil service values, adding that effective service delivery is non-negotiable if governance must succeed.

She encouraged civil servants to pursue professional certifications and cultivate problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills for career advancement.

The Chairperson of CIPM Kwara State Branch, Mrs. Azeezat Quadri Ibrahim, described the lecture as the beginning of a new tradition aimed at inspiring excellence and positioning the branch as a thought leader in human resource management.

“This is not just a gathering; it is the birth of a tradition—one that will shape conversations, inspire excellence, and cement our place as a thought leader in the HR profession within and beyond Kwara State,” she said.

She expressed appreciation to the national leadership of CIPM for supporting the branch’s “IMPACT Agenda,” which focuses on institutional growth, professional development, community responsibility, and teamwork.

Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Mrs. Bolanle Olukoju, also commended the institute for promoting professionalism and ethical conduct in public service.

She assured that the state government remains committed to building a transparent and efficient workforce.

“The civil service is the backbone of governance. Beyond policies and procedures, it is driven by growth, value addition, and commitment to service. Our goal is to build a public service that is efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the people,” she said.

Olukoju urged civil servants to leave a legacy of integrity and diligence that would continue to inspire others. “Let us not rest on our oars. When you leave public service, what will people say about your work?” she asked.

The event, attended by top government officials including the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Mamman Saba Jibril, featured the official unveiling of the CIPM Kwara Branch Newsletter, which documents activities between April and October 2025.

Vice Chairman of the branch and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mrs. Oluwatosin Olaniyi, appreciated all guests and reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to its core mandate of promoting professionalism and ethical leadership in the workplace.