When the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) hosted its Annual National Management Conference, tagged:” Managing Post Petroleum Nigeria: The Critical Imperatives,” it honoured distinguished Nigerians who were conferred with awards of Fellow of the institute that included President Umaru Yar’Adua, the governor of Ogun State, Engr. Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Post Master General of the Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Muri Baba and the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Chief Alaibe Ndutimi Alaibe among others worthy Nigerians.
One of the youthful Nigerians that was honoured and drew applauses from the audience is the current General Manager/CEO – Crittall-Hope Kaduna Ltd and Group Company Secretary in Nigeria – Crittall-Hope Nigeria Limited, Lagos, Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir who was born on July 10, 1963 in Ilorin Emirate of Kwara State. His company is one of the leading manufacturers of quality steel and aluminium products in the country
His honour is not just an honorary award but attaining by dint of hardwork and professionalism. The process towards conferring fellowship to members of the institute constitutes various criteria include steady progression in managerial skills and grading from Graduate Member, Associate Member to Full Member before attaining the highest membership of a fellow. In his case, he had served the institute in various capacities which included State Secretary Nigeria Institute of Management, (NIM) Kaduna State Council (1995 – 1997), Zonal secretary, Nigeria Institute of Management, (NIM) Zone V (1995 – 1997), Ex-Officio Nigeria Institute of Management, (NIM) Zaria Branch (1997 – 1999) among other contribution to success of one of oldest professional body in Nigeria.
A lawyer and administrator, Gobir started his educational pursuit at Magwan (LEA) Primary School, Kano in 1969, before moving to Ansar-Deen Primary School, Jos, 1969 – 1973 and St. Michael LEA School, (Kaduna), 1973 – 1974. He had his secondary education at Government High School, Ilorin, 1974 – 1980.
After coming out with flying colour in national examination, he was admitted to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 1980 – 1984 where he studied History for a degree programme. He returned to the University for Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 1997. Not fully satisfied in his quest acquire more knowledge and diversify in his career, he was again at the university to undertake Law programme and was awarded Bachelor of Laws (LL.B Hons) – 2002 before going to the Law School to qualify as a lawyer with an award of Barrister At Law (B.L) in 2004.
Gobir who is also a Fellow, Chartered Institute of Personnel management of Nigeria started his working career as NYSC Teacher at New Bussa Teachers College in Niger State in 1984. He was also at Ajaokuta Steel Company Ltd as Administrative Officer between in 1985 to 1987 where he supervised allocations of offices, houses and handling of staff recruitment, promotions and discipline. He was also Personal Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer where he Planned, supervised and co-ordinated the Chief Executive’s itinerary.
Mallam Gobir in 1990 moved to Kaduna where he was appointed Manager at Cotton and Agricultural Processors Ltd, Zaria with responsibility for industrial and labour relations, human resources development and training. He had a steady career progression as he became Company Secretary and assistant General Manager with responsibility for Department of Administration.
It was in 1999 that Kwara State government appointed him Commissioner for Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperative. He was also saddled with other political assignment which included
Chairman Kwara State FEAP Co-ordinating Committee; Secretary Kwara State Think Tank on Industrialization; Member, Kwara State Planning Commission; Member, Kwara Water Corporation Consumers Consultative Forum.
Other positions of responsibility he held included: Board Chairman, Laekmind Investment Limited, Kaduna (2002 – Date), Board Chairman, Kaliha Ventures Limited, Kaduna (1998 – Date), Director, Access Design Interior Limited (2009 – Date); Partner, Gobir Gobir & Co. (Legal Practitioners), 2005 – Date, Member, Governing Council Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (2005 – 2007); Vice Chairman, Governing Council, Manufactures Association of Nigeria (MAN) South East Kaduna Zone (2002 – 2005); Ex-Officio Governing Council, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) North West Zone (1997 –2000); Member Joint Governing Council, Nigeria Textile Employers and Manufacturers Association (1996 – 2000); Member, National Joint Industrial Negotiating Council of the Nigeria Textile Employers Association (1994); Member, Committee of Personnel Experts, Nigeria Textile Employer & Manufacturers Association, Northern Zone (1993 – 1996); Asst. Secretary, Institute of Personnel Management, Kaduna (1990).
An historian who believes in documentation and archival of historical developments, he has some publications to his credit. They included
From the Vacuum tube to the Silicon Chip; A study of the Historical Development of Computers (1983); The Impact of Slave Procurement on the Gold Coast Region (1984); Why and How has the State interfered in Industrial Relations in Nigeria (1994); The Implication of Psychological Counselling Strategies on the Counselling Functions of Human Resources Managers (1995); An Appraisal of Personnel acquisition and utilization in Industries in Zaria (1995); Improving Productivity and the quality of work life in a transition economy (2001) and The dynamics of the ethical and legal framework for corporate directorship and its implications (2002).
Gobir has attended various conferences, seminars, workshops and other professional programmes at home and abroad mostly on capacity building and management development. He is a member of Lions Club International and enjoys reading and listening to good music apart from taking interest in the game of Squash and Badminton.
The young new Fellow of NIM is happily married with four children.
Source: Economic confidential