By Egufe Yafugborhi

UYO – HUMAN Resource (HR) development group, Jobberman Nigeria, has urged HR management stakeholders in South South to embrace talent management with vision, empathy, and innovation as measures for harvesting a generation of goalgetting workers and leaders fit for transforming business, communities and the nation’s economy.

This was among the insights participants gained in Uyo where Akwa Ibom state hosted the inaugural edition of HR Fusion, Jobberman’s programme Supporting Business Growth Through Effective Talent Management Initiative, marking beginning of deeper engagement in South-South.

The group’s initiative in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, gathered HR professionals, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to address critical talent management challenges and explore opportunities for shaping the future of work in the region with the theme: “Effective Talent Management for Business Growth”

In keynote address, Ide Owodiong-Idemeko outlined five pillars for effective talent management: aligning HR with business goals, attracting the right talent, developing and empowering employees, driving engagement and retention and leveraging technology and data.

Urging participants to embrace talent management as transformation driver, Owodiong-Idemeko stated, “If we in Akwa Ibom, indeed Nigeria, embrace effective talent management, we will unleash a generation of workers and leaders who will transform our businesses, communities and our economy. Companies to thrive tomorrow are those that manage talent today with vision, empathy, and innovation.”

Babajide Anjorin, Head, Marketing at Jobberman Nigeria, reaffirmed that, “HR Fusion represents our commitment to bridging talent gap across Nigeria. By bringing this initiative to Akwa Ibom, we are empowering the silent architects of business growth. 

“And as we work together, let’s remember this truth: business growth does not happen in boardrooms, it happens when people are effectively managed, motivated, and retained.”

The capacity building, just ended, featured four breakout sessions focused on practical HR challenges: Upskilling and Reskilling Workforce for the Future; Employee Engagement and Impact on Productivity; Building Culture of Talent Retention; and Fostering Inclusive Workplaces for Sustainable Business Success.

Participants highlighted the programme’s relevance as Akwa Ibom diversifies beyond oil and gas into agriculture, ICT, creative industries, and tourism, creating growing demand for adaptable and skilled workers.

Mrs. Imaobong Ofana, HR Manager at Fhenix Africa, acknowledged, “This programme has been eye-opening. The sessions gave me practical ideas I can implement immediately in my organisation. It’s encouraging to see Jobberman bringing this level of expertise to Akwa Ibom. 

“More importantly, Jobberman must continue to harness the great talent we have here, train and empower them, and work closely with HR bodies to build a stronger workforce for the future.”

The HR Fusion series reflects Jobberman’s evolution from an online career platform into full-service talent solutions provider,  deepening partnership to deliver end-to-end recruitment support, employer branding, soft skills training and workforce capacity building equipping HR professionals with strategies and networks to make talent management a driver of sustainable growth.