A sub-section of the Gbaja Girls‘ Senior High School, Lagos and some Julius Berger female staff
members during the International Women’s Day School Outreach organised by Julius Berger Nigeria
Plc as part of the company’s initiative to inspire and empower young girls.

Julius Berger Nigeria Plc marked the 2026 International Women’s Day with corporate social responsibility (CSR) outreaches to schools in Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt, encouraging young girls to pursue ambitious careers while promoting gender inclusion.

The outreach programme saw the company donate bags containing educational materials and other support items to students of Government Secondary School Life Camp Gwarinpa and Government Secondary School Garki. The initiative forms part of Julius Berger’s broader efforts to promote youth empowerment and inspire the next generation of female professionals and leaders.

Excited students of Government Girls Secondary school, Oromenike, Port Harcourt during
the outreach event by Julius Berger on 2026 IWD

During an interactive session with students at Gwarinpa, the company’s Head of Quality Control and Quality Assurance Department, Anastasia Okonkwo, urged the girls to embrace ambitious dreams even when they appear intimidating.

According to her, meaningful aspirations often seem daunting at first but can lead to remarkable achievements when pursued with courage and discipline. She encouraged the students to look beyond their immediate circumstances and remain committed to their academic and career goals.

The outreach also emphasised the importance of early career planning, personal development, and strong values that would guide the students throughout their professional lives.

Students of Government Secondary School, Garki, Abuja displaying their CSR packages from Julius Berger Nigeria PLC at the 2026 IWD, weekend

At the session held at Government Secondary School, Garki, Julius Berger’s Contract Manager, Omonigho Brown, delivered a motivational talk titled “Your Voice, Your Relevance, and Your Future”.

She encouraged the students to recognise their leadership potential early, noting that leadership can begin with small responsibilities such as serving as class prefects, head girls, or supporting younger siblings at home.

Brown also stressed the importance of women making their voices heard, noting that many women in history had to challenge social barriers and prejudices to create opportunities for future generations.

Julius Berger celebrating 2026 IWD with students of Government Secondary School. Life
Camp, Gwarimpa, Abuja

In Lagos, Civil Engineer and Technical Officer at Julius Berger, Rasheedat Anifowoshe, encouraged the students to remain confident when pursuing careers, particularly in fields traditionally dominated by men such as engineering.

Female staff of Uyo site, left, were not left out. Right are staff of Oloibiri, Bayelsa state site on IWD

She noted that while women were once underrepresented in the profession, increasing numbers are now excelling through determination and persistence. She also assured the students that Julius Berger remains open to supporting them through Industrial Training (IT/SIWES) placements in the future.

L–R: Staff Member, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Region
West during the International Women’s Day School
Outreach organised by the company weekend

Students who participated in the sessions said the discussions helped them understand the importance of self-confidence, perseverance, and believing in their abilities as they pursue their career ambitions.

As part of the outreach, the company presented educational and sundry support items to students at each school visited, describing the gesture as a symbol of encouragement and commitment to educational development within the communities where it operates.

Beyond the school programmes, female staff of Julius Berger also marked the global celebration internally across several company locations, including sites in Uyo, Oloibiri and Bodo Bonny, where they reflected on the significance of the day and the progress of women in society.

Female staff of Bodo-Bonny site during the 2026 International Women’s celebration weekend

The company said the activities reinforce its continued commitment to community development, youth empowerment, and the promotion of gender inclusion in sectors where women are steadily increasing their presence and influence.

pearl

By Pearl Ngwama

Pearl Ngwama is a prominent Nigerian media professional, an advocate of Nigeria Transport Sector development and Managing Director of JustAlive Communications Ltd, publishers of JustNet News. She is the convener of the annual Nigeria Transport Summit.

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