AI Will Enhance Human Capital, Not Replace It, Says Dally

The Group Chief Human Resources Officer of Sterling Financial Holdings Company, Temi Dalley, has identified artificial intelligence (AI) as a crucial driver in talent management and how it is a strategic imperative that transcends traditional HR functions and assumes a central role in driving organizational success.

In her opening address at the just concluded Employee Engagement & Experience (E3) Conference in Lagos, themed, “The Dynamic Intersection between Technology, Talent, and Transformation; a Journey fueled by Innovation,” Dalley mentioned that organizations are confronted with the imperative to adapt, evolve, and innovate; and the forces of globalization, digitization, and demographic shifts are reshaping the very fabric of work, presenting both opportunities and challenges on an unprecedented scale.

She stated that at the heart of this transformation lies the fusion of AI and digital transformation—a potent catalyst that promises to revolutionize how we attract, develop, and retain talent. From predictive analytics to personalized learning experiences, from intelligent automation to augmented decision-making, the possibilities are as vast as they are exhilarating.

She said, “Yet, through all of this, one thing remains constant: the paramount importance of our PEOPLE. We need not forget the human element that infuses meaning, purpose, and dignity into every interaction and every decision. At the heart of every successful organization is a diverse group of individuals with their distinct set of skills, passions, and goals. It is our collective responsibility to nurture, empower, and engage this human capital to unlock its full potential and drive organizational success.”

Addressing common concerns about AI’s impact on talent acquisition and management, Temi stated that Talent Managers must remember that these are not merely tools or technologies; they are enablers of human progress.

“I recently came across a video clip of Sam Ransbotham where he said, ‘Don’t be afraid of AI taking your job; be afraid of other humans that are better at using Artificial Intelligence… because they are the ones that will take your job!’. When wielded with wisdom and foresight, they have the power to revolutionize how we attract, motivate, develop, and retain talent. They can streamline processes, enhance collaboration, and unleash creativity in ways previously unimaginable.”

She also warned that professionals exercise caution, for the promise of technology must be tempered with a deep understanding of its implications on the human experience. As we embrace automation and digitization, we must never lose sight of the human touch—the empathy, connection, and sense of purpose that distinguishes our profession.

In her closing remarks, Dalley encouraged participants to harness the power of AI and digital transformation to redefine HR, reimagine talent management, and create workplaces that are not just efficient and productive but deeply human-centric and fulfilling.

AWA, Paystack Partner to Enhance Passenger Experience

Stories By Chinedu Eze

Africa World Airlines (AWA) has announced its strategic partnership with Paystack, the continent’s leading payment gateway.

This collaboration, the airline said, would mark a significant milestone in AWA’s commitment to enhancing the passenger experience by introducing a new and seamless way for customers to book flights and make payments.

The partnership with Paystack introduces a diverse range of payment options tailored to meet the needs of all AWA’s passengers in Ghana, Nigeria and beyond. Passengers will now have the convenience of choosing from three payment options including Card, Mobile Money, and Apple Pay. Meanwhile, in Nigeria, passengers will benefit from an even broader range of payment methods, including Cards, Bank Transfers, USSD, PayAttitude, and QR.

Head of Commercial, Africa World Airlines, Jonathan Kofi Appiah, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Paystack to offer our passengers a more convenient and streamlined booking and payment experience. At AWA, we are constantly seeking ways to enhance the overall travel experience for our customers, and we believe that this partnership with Paystack will significantly contribute to achieving that goal.”

Through the integration of Paystack’s robust payment gateway, AWA passengers can now enjoy a hassle-free booking process, with secure and reliable payment options tailored to their preferences. Whether booking flights from Ghana, Nigeria or the rest of the world, passengers can expect a seamless transaction process that ensures a smooth and efficient journey from start to finish.

Co-founder and CEO of Paystack, Shola Akinlade, said: “We are excited to partner with Africa World Airlines to provide passengers with a convenient and reliable payment experience. By offering a variety of payment options, we aim to make the booking process more accessible and inclusive for travelers across the region.”

Governor Eno Canvasses Akwa Ibom/FG Partnership

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has expressed desire for strong partnership between Akwa Ibom and the federal government in the aviation sector, especially in the state-of-the-artMaintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the cusp of completion in the state.

The governor made this known when he participated in Ibom Air’s inaugural Uyo-Lagos flight and attributed the projects’ success to strategic vision, highlighting the need for partnership, particularly in establishing the MRO. He noted that while the facility was almost completed, it would take the federal government longer time build a new MRO facility, adding that the best thing is to push for full utilisation of the one that is almost ready.

“My role is to back their endeavors. Supporting this visionary initiative is paramount. Regarding our MRO, we’re ahead. Nigeria is yet to establish one; hence, we invite the Federal government to collaborate to expedite the process.It is a deliberately planned ecosystem around the vision to be able to have the MRO, take care of flights not just Ibom Air but all around. We have one on the ground already so we are saying Nigeria, come and let’s partner and get it done,” the governor said.

Delta Resumes Flights from New York to Lagos 

US major carrier, Delta Air Lines, has announced that it would resume flights to Lagos from New York, a route it suspended its operations after the covid-19 lockdown.

Currently Delta operates daily service between Atlanta and Lagos and, with the resumption of daily New York-JFK service, it will offer a total of 14 weekly flights to Nigeria in December through the first half of January and 10 weekly flights for the remainder of winter 2024.

Delta said it is reinforcing its No. 1 position as the largest U.S. carrier to Africa this winter by relaunching daily service to Lagos, Nigeria (LOS), from New York-JFK on Dec. 1. Fleet enhancements in service to Accra, Ghana (ACC), and South Africa are also underway. 

The airline said it would carry more than half a million customers between the US and Africa each year on more than 34 weekly flights.

Delta’s Senior Vice President of Network Planning, Joe Esposito, said: “These enhancements reflect our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our customers. We’re expanding our options for customers to experience the premium service and elevated hospitality they expect from Delta.”