By Aduragbemi Omiyale

A report launched on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, by the Global Labour Resilience Index (GLRI) has called on policymakers across the globe, especially from Africa, to design policies that driven by artificial intelligence (AI) to proactively share the future of labour markets.

The study, released in collaboration with Google Cloud, pointed out the substantial costs of inaction, including growing inequality, displacement of vulnerable populations, and missed opportunities for sustainable growth.

However, it said the sub-Saharan region could use its young and rapidly growing population for an AI-driven leap in labour resilience.

It was revealed that the region remains in last place among regional rankings, facing persistent challenges across all dimensions of labour market resilience.

The sub-Saharan Africa includes 12 of the 20 lowest-ranked countries globally, with the lowest scores in both traditional and AI-related metrics.

It was stated that the most resilient labour markets combine traditional labour policies with strategic investments in AI and personalized, data-driven strategies.

Leading the 2025 GLRI rankings are the United States and Singapore, recognized for their strong entrepreneurial ecosystems, flexible labour markets, and leadership in AI adoption and innovation. Sweden follows closely, demonstrating resilience through substantial investments in education and R&D.

Notably, some countries in South Asia and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have shown significant advancements, with India, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia benefiting the most from AI investments.

According to the GLRI report, the US leads in AI investment and innovation, boasting 60 per cent of global AI investments over the last ten years and a quarter of the world’s AI startups.

America’s success is attributed to integrating innovation with economic flexibility to foster dynamic job creation, with California, Massachusetts, and Washington identified among the front running states.

Rising inequality, both between and within countries, is identified as a major challenge exacerbated by AI that will need to be addressed with appropriate policies.

The gap between top-performing and lower-ranking countries has widened, with Sub-Saharan Africa particularly at risk. European countries, including the UK and Germany, hold six of the top 10 positions, showcasing strong overall performance. However, some, like Denmark, Austria, and Luxembourg, are slipping, having dropped out of the top 10.

“As AI reshapes the global workforce, the GLRI offers a  roadmap for countries to navigate this new era. It highlights pathways for inclusive, forward-looking policies that will not only address the challenges of automation but also harness the potential of AI to create opportunities for all,” the Global Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google, Karan Bhatia, stated.

Also, the Special Advisor and Director at Whiteshield, Mr Christopher Pissarides, said, “As AI continues to transform industries, the GLRI 2025 highlights the urgency for governments, businesses, and individuals to build resilient labour markets.

“This year’s report provides actionable insights to address the challenges of technological disruption, economic inequalities, and global crises, ensuring inclusive and sustainable economic growth. By understanding how labour markets adapt and evolve, we can drive innovation and create opportunities that benefit everyone.”

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The Oyo State government has announced dates for the newly recruited 902 graduates to pick up their appointment letters.

A statement signed by the Chairman of the Oyo State Civil Service Commission, Mr Kamoru Abiodun Aderibigbe, on Wednesday, disclosed that the collection would span from Friday, January 24 to Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

According to him, the successful applicants are expected to collect their letters of offer of appointment at designated offices of the commission between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm each day, except Friday, when they are expected to appear between 9.00 am and 1.00 pm.

However, he warned that on no account would the agency allow collection of letters of appointment by proxy, as the Commissioners would be on the ground to monitor the exercise.

While congratulating the successful candidates, Mr Aderibigbe urged them to be orderly when collecting their letters.

Recall that recently, the Governor of Oyo State, Mr Seyi Makinde, approved the employment of 902 university and Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates in the state.

The schedule of the collection is as follows:

Friday, January 24, 2025: Administrative Officer, Accountant, Agricultural Officer and Education Officer Cadres.

Monday, January 27, 2025: Animal Health Technologist, Assistant Social Welfare Officer, Auditor, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Environmental Health, Forest, Geologist, Higher Agricultural Technologist, Higher Cooperative Officer, Higher Environmental Health Technologist, Higher Estate Officer, Higher Executive Officer (Accounts, Audit, Culture and General Duties) cadres as well as Surveyor, Tourism Officer and Youth Development Officer/Assistant Cadres.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025: Higher Executive Officer (Information and Public Relations), Higher Executive Officer (Tourism), Higher Programme Officer, Higher Statistical Officer, Higher Technical Officer ( Building, Civil, Electrical, Exploration, Mechanical, Surveyor, Town Planning) cadres as well as Information, Inspector of Taxes, Lands Officer, Social Welfare Officer and State Counsel Cadres.

By Adedapo Adesanya

Brand strategist and member of the ForbesBLK Community, Mr Emmanuel Dairo, has joined Huemaine Media Consult as the firm’s Brand Manager.

Huemaine Media Consult is a media/public relations agency and creative firm based in Lagos and represents three of the world’s most recognizable brands exclusively in West Africa: Forbes Africa, Emirates, and Ethiopian Airlines, along with several other remarkable brands.

According to Mr Dairo, this new chapter marks an incredible opportunity to collaborate with a team of forward-thinking professionals to elevate brands, craft compelling narratives, and drive impactful strategies that resonate with audiences.

“I am honoured to contribute to such a prestigious portfolio and excited to help these brands continue to thrive in the region.”

With over five years of experience in creative marketing, PR, and brand building, he will bring a mixture of integrated marketing techniques to position the businesses for effective delivery.

“I’m eager to bring my expertise to this innovative organization. Together, we’ll push boundaries, deliver measurable results, and create meaningful connections between brands and their audiences,” he said.

“A heartfelt thank you to the management of Huemaine Media Consult for believing in my vision and abilities. I am truly honoured to take on this role and excited for the journey ahead. Here’s to creating, inspiring, and growing!” the statement added.

Mr Dairo was awarded the winner of the professional services category at the 25under25 Awards held in October 2022 and joined ForbesBLK, a platform and community that amplifies the voices of Black entrepreneurs, professionals, leaders, and creators in 2023.