By Adedapo Adesanya

The federal government has reaffirmed the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) as the only legally recognised regulatory body for Human Resource (HR) practice in the country.

This follows the release of a new directive aimed at professionalising HR functions across the Federal Public Service.

The directive, contained in a circular issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), mandates officers occupying HR positions in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to obtain approved professional certifications.

The circular, referenced HCSF/3065/Vol.1/230 and dated May 14, 2026, was signed by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack.

According to the circular, the policy is part of ongoing reforms targeted at strengthening professionalism, ethical standards, competence and service delivery within the Federal Civil Service.

The government specifically recognised certifications issued by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), alongside a few globally recognised HR professional bodies, further reinforcing the Institute’s statutory role in regulating and advancing HR practice in Nigeria.

Under the new policy, officers deployed to HR functions within the Federal Public Service are required to possess approved HR certifications within a 12-month grace period.

It was also granted to affected officers to regularise their certification status, after which only certified professionals will be eligible for deployment into designated HR roles.

Reacting to the development, the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIPM, Mr Ahmed Ladan Gobir, described the circular as a landmark step towards institutionalising professionalism in Nigeria’s public sector.

He said the directive aligns the nation’s civil service with global best practices in Human Resource Management while reinforcing the importance of professional competence and ethical compliance in workforce management.

Mr Gobir stressed that CIPM remains the only institute legally empowered to regulate HR practice in Nigeria, noting that the Institute’s enabling law grants it authority to set standards, certify practitioners and enforce discipline within the profession.

“While the circular recognises certain international certifications, it is important to reiterate that within Nigeria, CIPM remains the only Institute with the legal mandate to regulate the practice of Human Resource Management,” he stated.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Lagos Television (LTV 8), Alausa, Ikeja, has a new General Manager, and he is Mr Kayode Oyekanmi, replacing Mrs Sola Kosoko, who was ousted by the Lagos State government.

Mr Oyekanmi was presented with his letter of appointment on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, by the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro, in a brief ceremony.

The new General Manager of the state-owned broadcast station was tasked with using his vast experience in the media space to take LTV 8 to greater heights.

Mr Agoro expressed confidence in Mr Oyekanmi’s capacity to reposition Lagos Television and wished him a successful and impactful tenure of office.

Prior to his appointment, Mr Oyekanmi served as the Director of Strategy Centre at the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, a position he has held since 2022.

A seasoned brand communications practitioner, Mr Oyekanmi has over three decades of professional experience spanning both the private and public sectors, with expertise in Advertising, Public Relations, and global export services.

He commenced his public service career as a Public Affairs Practitioner on March 1, 2000, with the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy.

The new LTV boss, a Lagos State indigene from Isale Eko, Lagos Island, has received several awards in recognition of his dedication, hard work, and commitment to the journalism profession.

He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Lagos and a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Education from Lagos State University.

He is an active Member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

In addition, he is a voracious reader and a passionate lawn tennis player, and currently serves as the Charter President of the Lagos State Ministry of Information Toastmasters Club.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A retired Major-General, Mr Adeyinka Famadewa, has been appointed as the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Homeland Security.

The appointee retired from the military after over three decades, with experience in national security strategy, intelligence fusion, counter-terrorism operations, and international security diplomacy.

His career reflects a rare blend of operational excellence, strategic foresight, and institutional leadership in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national interests, a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr George Akume, said.

It was disclosed that Mr Famadewa was chosen for the position because of his exceptional record of service, strategic expertise, and outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s national security architecture.

The notice said the appointment underscores the commitment of the administration of Mr Tinubu to strengthening internal security coordination, enhancing intelligence-driven operations, and deepening inter-agency collaboration in addressing emerging security threats across the country.

The President expressed confidence that Mr Famadewa’s appointment will further enhance the government’s efforts toward achieving a safer and more secure Nigeria through improved coordination of homeland security initiatives, intelligence integration, and proactive risk management.

He also urged him to deploy his wealth of experience, professionalism, and strategic insight in advancing national security objectives and supporting the administration’s agenda.