Admin I Sunday, August 02, 2026
LAGOS, Nigeria – Workplace mentor and career development expert Margaret Omovbude has called on professionals to embrace continuous learning, emotional intelligence and adaptability as critical skills for succeeding in an increasingly technology-driven workplace.
She made the call at the maiden edition of the Corporate Power Room Conference held in Lagos, where industry leaders and workplace experts gathered to provide practical strategies for career advancement, leadership development and navigating the future of work.
The conference, which brought together professionals from diverse sectors, featured sessions on workplace influence, career reinvention, salary negotiation, organizational effectiveness, leadership, emotional intelligence and wealth creation, with speakers emphasizing that technical competence alone is no longer sufficient for sustained career success.
Speaking at the event, Omovbude said today’s professionals face a rapidly changing employment landscape shaped by artificial intelligence, shifting employer expectations and intense competition for talent.
“If you look at the employment landscape in Nigeria today, it is, in many ways, what it has always been. Nigeria has an enormous talent pool, but the depth of employable talent remains a challenge,” she said.
She noted that while entrepreneurship, freelancing, remote work and digital businesses have expanded career opportunities for young people, structured organizations remain essential for developing discipline, communication, relationship management and emotional intelligence.
“Structured organizations still provide something invaluable. They teach discipline, relationship management, communication, emotional intelligence and professional maturity. These are life skills that remain relevant regardless of where your career eventually takes you,” she added.
Omovbude also encouraged professionals to embrace artificial intelligence rather than fear it, describing the technology as a tool that enhances productivity without replacing uniquely human capabilities.
“AI has changed the speed at which work gets done. Tasks that once took days can now be completed in minutes. But AI cannot replace human judgment, leadership, emotional intelligence or experience. The professionals who will thrive are those who embrace technology and learn how to work alongside it,” she said.
The conference featured presentations from Chief Talent Officer at YF Talent Partners, Yemi Fasheun, human resources and learning and development expert Taiwo Dayo Abatan, and leadership coach Edward Esene, who shared insights on career transitions, workplace visibility, leadership capacity, resilience and organizational effectiveness.
Fasheun urged participants to become intentional about building their personal brands and increasing their workplace visibility, while Abatan stressed the importance of continuous learning and leadership development. Esene challenged attendees to develop emotional intelligence, strategic thinking and influence as qualities that distinguish exceptional professionals in today’s workplace.
Participants described the conference as transformative.
Dorcas Ononose said attending the event was her first personal investment in professional development and that it gave her the confidence to negotiate better and become more assertive in the workplace.
Another participant, Ibn Jobe Victor, said the conference challenged him to break free from what facilitators described as the “comfort cage” and become more intentional about his personal and professional growth.
Addressing Nigeria’s labour market, Omovbude said unemployment is being driven by a combination of rapid population growth, rising living costs and insufficient creation of quality jobs.
She recalled that when her organization recruited about 45 graduate trainees, it received more than 25,000 applications, describing the figure as evidence of the intense demand for quality employment.
She called for stronger economic growth and greater investment in quality jobs while urging professionals to take responsibility for their own career development by continuously acquiring new skills and strengthening capabilities that technology cannot replace.
Omovbude expressed hope that the Corporate Power Room Conference would become an annual platform for professionals, emerging leaders and workplace experts to exchange ideas, build networks and prepare for the future of work.
She concluded that while technical skills may open doors, long-term career success depends on leadership, adaptability, emotional intelligence, strong relationships and a commitment to lifelong learning.
