••• inducts, trains over 200 members
The Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria, CIPMN, has expressed concerns over the spate of abandoned projects in the country, describing it as the bane of developmnt.
President of CIPMN, Prince Akin Babalola, lamented that failure to deliver on projects has cost Nigeria a lot and impinged on the country’s development.
Babalola made the remarks on the sidelines of a 3-day Induction and Training Programme, organized by the institute on Tuesday in Abuja, with the theme: “The Digital Project Manager.”
“The menace of abandoned projects in Nigeria is unfortunate. It is something that we are looking critically at. It’s a major concern for us. It’s actually the bane of our development because projects that are not delivered have cost Nigeria a lot,” he said
According to him, the three-day event was to bring in new members, train and equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the digital age of project management.
“In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving digital landscape, the role of a project manager has undergone a profound transformation. The project manager of today must possess a unique blend of traditional project management expertise and a deep understanding of digital technologies, data analytics, and agile methodologies.
“As we delve into the intricacies of digital project management over the next three days, I encourage each and every one to embrace this opportunity for learning, growth, and professional development.
“The knowledge and insights gained during this training will not only enhance your skills but also empower you to navigate the complexities of digital projects with confidence and proficiency.
“Everything has gone digital and if we do not equip our members to update their knowledge, and their skills, they would be left behind,” he said.
On his part, the Registrar of the Institute, Mr. Henry Mbadiwe, disclosed that over 200 professionals were inducted into the membership of the institute.
Mbadiwe said CIPMN targets to build the 21st century project managers who would use technology and knowledge to deliver any kind of project in every sector of Nigeria.
“We have Nigerians that are intelligent enough to do what other companies overseas are doing. When you travel to UK, America and Canada, you see Nigerians leading projects; so we know how to do it.
“What CIPM is aiming to do is to build that human capital in Nigeria, to teach us how to ensure that projects are delivered properly in this country and regulate the sector to ensure that quacks do not go in there and start delivering projects in this country,” he said.
The CIPMN Registrar further noted there is an establishing law in Nigeria that makes sure that if you are not a licensed CIPMN member in Nigeria you cannot deliver projects in this country or lead a project.
“We must make sure that the professionals in this country are licensed, regulated and watched so that we can hold somebody responsible when something goes wrong,” he said.
While speaking on support for the institute, he noted that it has been very slow, but that the Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, has been very supportive.
He urged the new inductees not to allow project management to be business as usual but take their responsibilities seriously.
“As you accept your certificates, licenses, and memberships into the institute today, it is pertinent that you understand the responsibility that you’re choosing to accept.
“CIPMN is not an institute that is designed to carry out business as usual but an institute where its members are united with one mind, united in the same principles and united under one banner,” he said.
