Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has empowered 200 women in the Federal Capital Territory with critical tools to boost their economic independence.
The construction company, in a statement, noted that the initiative was part of the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts and drew praise from beneficiaries and government officials.
Speaking at the event held at the Garki area, FCT Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, commended the company for prioritising women’s empowerment.
She highlighted Julius Berger’s longstanding commitment to national development, citing its track record in delivering infrastructure projects.
“We must appreciate the corporate entity of Julius Berger in Nigeria. In the FCT, it is recognised as the number one engineer and architect of roads and infrastructure. The International Conference Centre was built in six months by Julius Berger, and even with their present road projects, they are creating a new record of delivering not only on time but ahead of schedule,” Benjamins-Laniyi said.
Director of the Women Development Department, Aina Sanni, described the initiative as a major milestone for the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, noting, “We are so grateful to Julius Berger, and we hope to keep this partnership going because it’s something we would not want to lose.”
Julius Berger’s Chief Risk Officer, Shakira Mustapha, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to community development, stressing the broader impact of women empowerment.
“When you empower a woman, you empower her family, her community, and ultimately, the nation. We are committed not only to our company’s growth but also to the progress of our community and country,” Mustapha said.
She revealed that the company’s partnership with the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat aligns with its vision for economic inclusion.
“We will be providing means for women in the FCT to generate more income for themselves and their families and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth,” she added.
The initiative aligned with the month’s emphasis on celebrating women and provided beneficiaries with manual and industrial sewing machines, grinding machines, hair dryers, and gas cookers.
One of the beneficiaries, Patricia Amos, expressed gratitude for the support. “I am really excited to receive this gift. Honestly, I can only say a very big thank you to Julius Berger. They have given us hope,” she said.
Another recipient, overwhelmed with emotion, added, “I am short of words, but thank you very much. God bless Julius Berger. May you continue to go higher.”
The initiative underscores Julius Berger’s commitment to social impact beyond construction, reinforcing its role in driving economic empowerment in the FCT.
