…as Nigerian professionals get IPMA-UK certification

By Happy Ekeyede

Head, Africa Regional Office of International Professional Managers Association (IPMA),  Professor Olufeyisan Feyi-Sobanjo has stated that if any manager will succeed in management practice, he must possess some qualities and attributes.

In his message published on the programme for the IPMA-UK 2017 induction ceremony held in Lagos, Feyi-Sobanjo said the first guide to good management practice are integrity, humility and observance of human rights principles.

He said: “Managers have personal responsibilities and should demonstrate integrity, humanity, observe principles of human rights and avoid all discriminatory practices that relate to race, sex, religion and politics.”

Feyi-Sobanjo who insists on the indispensability of these managerial qualities, added that a manager must also uphold the interest of his organisation, the society and display respect for the reputation of other corporate organistions. “Respect for the confidentiality of official information, regular training and retraining are key,”  he said.

He explained that a professional manager is expected to accept from clients only works that he has competence in; respect other institutes’ codes; and be objective in giving professional opinions.

On the need to respect others, he said: “Do not injure or attempt to injure maliciously or recklessly, directly or indirectly, the professional reputation of others.”

Also speaking, the President of IPMA–UK Nigeria Forum, Dr Chinedum Igbokwe, underscored the need for professional managers to join professional bodies.

He listed partnership programmes, academic collaborations and grants as some of the benefits that accrue to members of IPMA.

He said: “In continuation of its efforts to enhance the business and professional interest of members, the IPMA-UK Council has approved the grants of various partnership and collaboration opportunities for members to explore and enhance their businesses.

“To promote the careers of our members, IMPA-UK has established collaborations with several accredited universities in Africa and Europe for Top-Up Bachelor Degree programmes, Advanced Placement Master’s Degree programmes and Doctorate Degree programmes.”

On his part, the Chairman of IPMA-UK, Prof. Allan Sensicle, urged professional managers to always ensure mastery of the business by constantly upgrading their knowledge through learning and sharing of information with relevant professionals.

He also underscored the need for managers to hit the ground running with their new ideas and concepts; otherwise, they would lose them to competitors who spy on and monitor their plans.

Meanwhile, at the induction ceremony, Fellows and Distinguished Honorary Fellows of the association received certifications. Just as members, senior members and associate members were certified.

Dignitaries at the induction include; Ghana’s Member of Parliament and Minister of Employment and Labour relations, Mr. Ignatius Awuah; and Nigeria’s Minister of State, Trade, Industry and Investment, Aisha Abubakar, who was represented by a special assistant.