News From Nigeria
Julius Berger marks International Women’s Day with calls for action on gender equality
Julius Berger Nigeria Plc marked International Women’s Day (IWD) with events in Abuja, Lagos, Warri, Port Harcourt, and Uyo, reinforcing its commitment to gender equality and workplace inclusion. In a display of companywide unity, employees across these locations gathered for keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive sessions under the global theme #AccelerateAction for Gender Equality, with a focus on allyship and leadership.
Gathered at the event were leaders from financial services, the Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors, and regional and functional heads from Julius Berger, all reinforcing the shared responsibility of advancing gender equality. The Director General of the NIQS Foundation, Dr. Celestina Eke, delivered the keynote speech at the Abuja event, while Alhaji Dr. Abdulaziz Kaita, Julius Berger’s Director of Administration, underscored the company’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and progress.
Eke, speaking on men as allies, called for a shift beyond affirmative action to transformative change. Gender equality is not just a women’s issue; it is a strategic imperative for economic growth, sustainable development, and global competitiveness,”she said; adding, for real progress, we must move from support to action. Allyship is not about stepping aside, it is about stepping up. It requires men to use their influence, privilege, and leadership to challenge biases, break barriers, and drive systemic change.
She praised Julius Berger for excelling not only in infrastructure and engineering but in fostering diversity and empowerment. She described the IWD movement as a call to rethink, reimagine, and reconstruct the foundations of industry, institutions, and society.
Alhaji Dr. Abdulaziz Kaita did not mince words in affirming the importance of International Women’s Day and the role of women in every society. Today, we celebrate the countless contributions of women in every sphere of life—politics, science, business, arts, sports, education, and within our own families. We honour the trailblazers who have shattered ceilings and defied expectations, as well as the everyday heroes—mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends—who uplift and inspire us daily, Kaita said.
While acknowledging the progress made, Kaita called for continued reflection and action. Women still face barriers to leadership, unequal pay, and gender-based violence. In some parts of the world, access to education and healthcare remains a distant dream for many girls, he said.
In Lagos, a panel of female leaders within Julius Berger explored how women can balance professional growth with family responsibilities while embracing leadership opportunities. The discussion, featuring senior figures from commercial, legal, and engineering functions, emphasized the strengths women bring to the workplace, particularly in multitasking and strategic decision-making.
Senior Executive Manager, Ndifreke Nkocho encouraged women to speak up, seek mentorship, and create support networks, proposing regular forums for women to discuss career challenges and development opportunities.
In Warri, employees took part in an engaging keynote session, team-building games, and a sip-and-paint activity, reinforcing the spirit of empowerment and unity. The Branch Manager of UBA Warri-Sapele Road, Mrs. Abimbola Erivona, shared her personal journey navigating the corporate world, highlighting both the challenges and triumphs of leadership as a woman. She urged attendees to strive for excellence and embrace opportunities for career growth.
Julius Berger ensured that female employees across all regions had time to celebrate the global event, with activities in Warri, Port Harcourt, Uyo, Lagos, and Abuja. The company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and leadership development continues to shape its workplace culture, as its women reaffirmed their resolve to break barriers and accelerate action for progress.
In an industry historically dominated by men, particularly at senior leadership levels, the comprehensive engagement seen across Julius Berger’s IWD events underscored the company’s commitment to shifting that narrative. From candid discussions on career advancement to calls for greater allyship and systemic change, the event went beyond celebration; it reinforced the urgency of action. As Nigeria continues to push for greater representation of women in leadership, Julius Berger’s efforts serve as a reminder that progress requires deliberate and sustained commitment.
Niger Delta women on Wednesday decried human rights abuses and disrespect for women in the country.
They also called the suspension of the senator Representing Kogi Central, Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan ‘’silly and callous’’.
“This is the height of wickedness. We cannot agree with the Senate Ethics Committee.”
The women in a statement in Calabar denounced the Senate leadership and demanded that the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan be lifted immediately.
“The presiding officer is difficult and dictatorial. He is well known for his contemptuous, dismissive and sarcastic ways. His leadership style is causing dissention and distress.”
The statement issued in Calabar by the Chairperson of Niger Delta Women Forum (NDWF), Mrs. Comfort Bassey, accused the Senate President of undermining family ties and resisting the voice of honour and reason.
“We conjure you to look into your heart and to hearken to the secret voice of conscience.”
The highly respected women applauded Akpoti-Uduaghan for taking significant steps to improve the quality of life for the people of Kogi Central.
“Your courage is an inspiration to all of us.”
Principally, the women accused some male political office holders of abusing the human rights of women and harming national, ethnic and religious groups in the country.
The statement denounced arbitrary rules, culture of betrayal and ferocious spirit of despotism.
“The Senate is not a place in which leaders get away with being mean and nasty.
It also condemned trace of bitterness, vicious, crude and inhuman punishments.
Two respected families in the South-South geo-political zone on Monday highlighted the humble background, personality and contributions of Chief Veronica Ekpera Ebireri to the country.
‘’It is no gain-saying that Chief Veronica Ekpera was an epitome of kindness’’
The prominent Agbon and Okpe families in a statement entitled ‘’ The life and works of a pragmatic woman, transporter, saw miller, fish and rice dealer ’’ highlighted Veronica Ebireri’s extraordinary life, pleasant upbringing of many and all she did to instill self-respect in her children.
‘’Throughout her sojourn, Mrs. Veronica Ebireri led an exemplary and worthy life. She gave her life serving others’’
The statement delivered on behalf of the families of Ebireri and Umukoro by Media and Political Consultant, Henry Ovie Ebireri applauded Chief Veronica Ekpera Ebireri for performing her duties as daughter, wife, mother and sister excellently.
The statement recalled her words and the few times she raised her voice.
‘’When the Chief Executive Officer of Oghene-Ochuko Motors died, many people dropped tears. They felt the deep vacuum that her unfortunate death created’’
The modest and humble daughter of a proud Agbon parents, Chief Veronica Ebireri married a highly respected Niger Delta business tycoon, Chief Festus Omajemite Ebireri.
The statement applauded Chief Veronica Ekpera Ebireri for displaying great energy and zeal as a businesswoman.
‘’Mrs. Veronica Ebireri was ambitious, her eyes on the big chance for economic advancement’’
The statement praised her for shouldering the responsibilities of the Ebireri, Umukoro, Diegholo, Ochu and Erove families.
The statement emphasized moral integrity, her sense of responsibility towards the husband, sisters, brothers, children and grandchildren.
The statement highlighted her contributions to her native Agbon Kingdom, problems and the tragedies after her demise.
The families also expressed shock at the recent legal action of cousins and grandchildren over the possessions of Veronica Ebireri and Oyavbewe Diegholo, describing the action of these people as another aspect of greed and madness.