Julius Berger Nigeria Plc commemorated International Women’s Day (IWD) with events held across Abuja, Lagos, Warri, Port Harcourt, and Uyo, emphasizing its dedication to gender equality and workplace inclusion. Themed “#AccelerateAction for Gender Equality,” the event featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive sessions focused on allyship, leadership, and breaking gender barriers.
Speaking at the Abuja event, Dr. Celestina Eke, Director General of the NIQS Foundation, delivered a keynote address stressing the need for genuine transformation beyond affirmative action. “Gender equality is not just a women’s issue; it is a strategic imperative for economic growth, sustainable development, and global competitiveness. 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,” Eke stated.
Julius Berger’s Director of Administration, Alhaji Dr. Abdulaziz Kaita, highlighted the importance of acknowledging women’s contributions in various sectors, including politics, business, arts, and science. “Today, we celebrate the countless contributions of women in every sphere of life. However, 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,” Kaita noted, urging for continued reflection and concrete actions toward gender equity.
In Lagos, female leaders within Julius Berger discussed strategies for achieving professional growth while balancing family responsibilities. The panel emphasized women’s strengths in multitasking and strategic decision-making and encouraged mentorship and building support networks to enhance career development.
Ndifreke Nkocho, Senior Executive Manager, urged women to speak up, seek mentorship, and establish regular forums for discussing career challenges. Her call for more networking opportunities aimed at empowering women to excel in their careers resonated strongly with attendees.
The celebration extended to Warri, where employees participated in team-building games, a keynote session, and a creative sip-and-paint activity. Mrs. Abimbola Erivona, UBA Warri-Sapele Road Branch Manager, shared her personal experiences navigating the corporate world, urging women to strive for excellence and seize opportunities for leadership.
Julius Berger’s comprehensive engagement across its branches highlighted the company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and leadership development. The IWD event underscored the urgency of breaking gender barriers and enhancing women’s representation in leadership.
By providing platforms for open dialogue and empowering women through practical initiatives, Julius Berger is actively contributing to the national conversation on gender equality and workplace inclusion.
