News From Nigeria
. You remain the best in all you do for Nigeria – NUJ to company
. Kaita: This is testimony to the innovative impact we’ve made
Frontline engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC weekend clinched the prestigious Construction Company of the Year Award amidst pomp as journalists celebrate the 2025 World Press Freedom Day in Abuja.
According to the National President of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya who presented the Award plaque to Julius Berger at the well attended event, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC deserves the Award having being at the frontline of several landmark projects across the country.
We have observed during the year under review that the company has remained the best in all the construction works they have undertaken and the ones that are currently Work-In-Progress. Name it, from Eko Bridge, Lagos built in 1965, through the Second Niger Bridge to the ongoing Bodo-Bonny Road, Julius Berger is excelling. We must state that you are deserving of this Award and more, the NUJ President declared amidst applause.
Speaking after receiving the Award on behalf of Julius Berger, the Director, Administration, Alh. Dr. Abdulaziz Kaita thanked the NUJ for the Award saying that it is a most unique gesture coming same day with the commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day.
This honour, especially coming in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, carries a deep and symbolic significance for us, the Director said.
Noting that the Day was set aside to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, assess the state of press freedom worldwide, defend the media from attacks on their independence, and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty, Kaita added that, the United Nations underscored the Day to highlight the importance of a free press.
Thus, as a company, we are elated to be so honoured with this Award on this Day when the world is acknowledging the contributions of members of the fourth estate to worldwide development, he further said, adding, this recognition is not only a testament to the innovative impact we have made in the construction industry, but also a validation of our unwavering commitment to excellence, safety, and sustainable development in Nigeria. At Julius Berger, we believe that innovation is not merely an option—it is a responsibility we owe to the future of infrastructure and to the communities we serve.
He said that at Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, innovation is at the heart of everything. From pioneering cold recycling technology for more sustainable road construction, to deploying advanced digital tools in project management and engineering design, to setting benchmarks with ISO 9001 quality assurance standards and ISO 45001 occupational safety practices, Kaita declared that the company has consistently raised the bar in Nigeria’s construction landscape.
He therefore concluded that, through these innovations, Julius Berger is not only building infrastructure, we are building trust, empowering local talent, and driving Nigeria’s industrial and economic advancement.
Other winners at the Press Freedom and Good Governance Awards 2025 organised by the NUJ included the Governors of Kaduna, and Kebbi States as well as the Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND, Nigeria National Petroleuim Company Ltd; Dirtector General National Senior Citizens Centre and the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS.
Delegates from the seven continents of the world have started arriving in Lagos for the 95th anniversary of the Okpe Union.
‘’The National leadership of the Okpe Union calls on all Okpe Nationals and friends of the Okpe Nation to roll out their drums on the 16th of May, 2025 to celebrate the 95th Founders Day Anniversary of the Okpe Union’’ a statement by the General Secretary, Okpe Union (Worldwide), Barrister Kingsley Ehensiri Akpederin said Thursday.
Okpe Union is designed to project the concept of Okpe personality, forge closer link of friendship, brotherhood, collaboration and unity among  Okpe people.
According to the statement, the Okpe House, Lagos will be the centre of the celebrations.
‘’All branches of the Okpe Union the world over are expected to do their bit in celebrating the day’’ the statement said.
The statement entitled call for unity and support by all well-meaning Okpe nationals and friends of the Okpe Nation as Okpe Union clocks 95 announced the date of elections into all the offices of the Okpe Union National Executive Council.
‘’The union holds elections into all the offices of the National Executive Council on the 15th of May, 2025 at its registered office and birthplace, 65, Moshalashi Street, Obalende’’
The statement issued in Lagos emphasized nationalistic feeling among the people, continuous prayers and support.
‘’The national leadership of the Okpe Union headed by Prof. Igho Natufe again calls for the sustenance of the solidarity of all Okpe nationals and members of various branches of the Okpe Union’’.
The statement enjoined all who cannot physically be present at the Okpe House, Lagos, to employ modern communication technologies to follow the national elections and Founders’ Day activities on the 15th and 16th of May, 2025, respectively, virtually.
‘’Let us take pride in celebrating the establishment of the oldest registered Ethnic Union in Nigeria.
The Okpe Union Founders Day, a re-awakening of the Okpe spirit, promotes Okpe culture and the relevance of Okpe language to children. It ensures better quality of life for our people and bring the development challenges of the Okpe Nation to the attention of the global community.
‘’Okpe Union Day exists to raise awareness and celebrate what makes Okpe culture unique. Since its inception in 1930, Okpe Union Day has been celebrated through major activities. At 95, this milestone offers us the unique opportunity to acknowledge the tireless effort of our founders while celebrating the achievements of the union’’.
The Okpe Union Day brings together around 1,000 notable leaders and intelligentsia from across the world to discuss political, social and cultural problems and recommend practical steps for implementing development strategies in Nigeria, particularly Delta State.
‘‘A number of high-profile political leaders, including local, state and federal officials will be treated to some of the finest Okpe dance steps and delicious meals in Lagos’’ the statement added.
Kogi youths on Thursday applauded Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for the quality of her thought and purification of the country’s politics.
They also denounced the massive lies, hypocrisy and masquerading of the Immediate Past Chairman of Nigeria-America Public Affairs Committee, Mr. Ike Chidolue
‘’This is not competent public relations. Ike Chidolue is just supercilious’’
The youths in a statement in Okene urged the US President, Donald Trump and the Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott to be wary of people working against the interest of democracy and good governance in Nigeria
The youths also asked South-East people in America to keep their distance from Prof Mgbeke and Chidolue.
They described Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as a good woman and an upright and virtuous patriot.
‘’Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has a great potential and a bright future. We feel strongly about that’’
The statement issued by the Chairman of Kogi Central Youth Movement (KCYM), Alhaji Mustapha Jato criticized the Senate leadership for resisting the voice of honour and reason.
The youths denounced Chidolue and Dr Sandra Duru for dishing out nonsense, spreading dubious claims and distorting the basic issue and situation.
The statement emphasized ferocious spirit of despotism, public posturing in pompous dress and ways of restoring patriotism and morality in the senate.
‘’These are trying times for true democrats to fight these repressive tendencies’’
The youths called Duru and Chidolue debased slaves and dump robots.
‘’The Igbo Nation is very strict with precise ideas about manners and beliefs proper to men and women”
They mocked Duru and Chidolue for bringing America and the South-East geo-political zone into disrepute and ridicule.
The youths further denounced the Senate leadership for the overwhelming demonstration of wickedness.