Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa has urged human resources personnel to sharpen the future of the country’s workforce as a role model in the comity of nations.

Mr Aiyedatiwa made the call at the 10th annual conference of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), Ondo State branch, on Friday in Akure.

The theme of the conference is: “Building a Future-Ready Workforce: the Strategic Role of Human Resources.”

The governor, who was represented by the state commissioner for budget and economic planning, Olaoluwa Akindolire, described CIPM as catalyst for transformation.

He added that there was need for human resources personnel to get skilled in anticipation of the changes ahead.

According to him, the future should not catch anyone unaware but be prepared for.

“The future will not wait for us: we must prepare our people to meet it before it catches up with us unaware,” he said.

The governor promised that the state government would continue to pursue accelerated human capital development in the state public service.

Mr Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed the government’s readiness to continue to work closely with CIPM with a view to aligning its workforce policies with best practices.

He tasked CIPM members to position themselves more for the needed and aspired changes.

Also speaking, the state Chairman of CIPM, Olusola Lebile, said that the conference’s theme was apt and significant for the current life, which was fast changing in the face of technology.

“To raise a future-ready workforce and even strengthen our present workforce, technology adoption and digital literacy remain critical.

“It required continuous learning and the provision of the right tools in the workplace to deliver excellent service,” he said.

He lauded the Aiyedatiwa-led administration for its commitment to the training and retraining of workers and for the sponsorship revived to participate in the Institute’s international conference and exhibition year in and year out.

Award plaques were given to various personalities for their unique commitment and support to the institute and the human resource profession.

(NAN)