In an effort to redefine human resources practices for Nigeria’s dynamic workforce, Jobberman Nigeria, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, hosted HR professionals, business leaders, and talent experts in Lagos to engage in a crucial dialogue on inclusive and impactful talent management.
Held under the theme “Effective Talent Management for Business Growth,” the HR Fusion event was a key convergence point for decision-makers and changemakers in Nigeria’s employment landscape. The forum delved into how people-first strategies, inclusive hiring, and capacity-building are critical to building resilient businesses amidst today’s volatile economy.
From diversity to retention, reskilling to engagement, the day featured comprehensive thematic discussions and interactive breakout sessions. These provided HR managers and business leaders with pragmatic strategies for managing people in the swiftly changing world of work.
Samantha Ifezulike, Head of People and Culture at Jobberman Nigeria, emphasized the intent behind the gathering, underscoring that the Jobberman-Mastercard Foundation partnership aims for real impact, rather than just rhetoric.
“This event is about more than ideas, it’s about action. That is why, through our partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, we’re not only spotlighting sustainable HR strategies but also highlighting practical solutions like our Job Centres, established in 14 states, and our employee Soft Skills Training to aid organizations in building high-performing, future-ready teams,” she stated.
The event addressed some of the most pressing challenges in human capital development, particularly the mismatch between employer needs and jobseeker capabilities. Discussions focused on the growing importance of reskilling, inclusive hiring practices, and leadership that effectively connects with the next generation.
Yemi Faseun, Chief Talent Officer at YF Talent Partners, challenged the traditional approaches, asserting that HR must transition from administrative oversight to strategic influence.
“HR is not just paperwork and compliance. HR is strategy,” Faseun declared. “Understanding generational differences, especially with Gen Z, is non-negotiable. Labels won’t help. Empathy and purpose will.”
His remarks echoed the sentiments of other speakers who noted that inclusive workplaces which embrace diversity in thought, ability, and background tend to outperform those that do not.
This theme was reinforced by Babajide Anjorin, Head of Marketing at Jobberman, who urged companies to assess talent through a lens of skill and value, rather than bias.
“When you create an environment where people feel seen, they perform better. Inclusion is not just the right thing to do; it’s a crucial growth driver,” he said.
He also advocated for deliberate strategies to promote women and underrepresented groups into leadership roles, emphasizing that equitable representation must progress from talk to tangible action.
The HR Fusion initiative, launched by Jobberman, has quickly become one of the preeminent platforms advocating progressive HR policies and practices in Nigeria. Its focus on collaboration, innovation, and sustainability forms part of a broader goal to reduce youth unemployment and transform organizational human resource approaches.
Participants at the event described it as both timely and transformative. Adelakun Khebab, an HR manager at a fintech firm, noted that the sessions provided tools for adapting to the realities of remote work and maintaining employee engagement.
“The engagement breakout gave me fresh ways to strengthen team morale across virtual teams,” he said.
With Nigeria’s youth population burgeoning and competition for skilled workers intensifying, both Jobberman and the Mastercard Foundation are positioning themselves as catalysts for meaningful change in the HR ecosystem. Their joint efforts, from free job listings and training programs to inclusive hiring support, are reshaping how employers connect with the talent they need.
As businesses seek to remain competitive in an evolving marketplace, inclusive and forward-thinking HR strategies may be the key to long-term success. It seems Jobberman and the Mastercard Foundation are already paving that path.
