News From Nigeria
Leading engineering and construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, has once again demonstrated its reputation for quality delivery by securing two prestigious awards that highlight its outstanding performance in the industry.
The company received the Road Construction Company of the Year Award at the Multi-Modal Transportation Safety Conference in Nigeria organised by Transport Day Newspaper. Same day, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) honoured Julius Berger with an Award of Excellence in recognition of its significant contributions to the advancement of engineering practice and infrastructure development in Nigeria.
At the Transport Day conference attended by major stakeholders in the transportation and logistics sector, including representatives from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), and Lagos State University’s School of Transportation and Logistics the organisers praised Julius Berger’s consistent excellence. The publisher of the newspaper described the awards as proof of the company’s unwavering commitment to quality and professionalism. According to the organisers, Julius Berger continues to excel regardless of project complexity, as reflected in landmark projects such as the Bodo-Bonny Road and the Lagos-Opebi-Mende Road.
Delivering the keynote address, the Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, emphasised the need for a fully integrated multimodal transportation system in Nigeria. He highlighted the importance of linking road, rail, maritime, pipeline, and aviation systems to drive national economic growth. Dr. Oyeyemi congratulated the award recipients and urged them to sustain their contributions toward improving the sector.
The event attracted a wide range of industry dignitaries, including the Chief Operating Officer, Mark Onuchi; Assistant General Manager of Public Affairs and Family Assistant at the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau, Oluchi Damisa; Registrar/CEO of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Igwe Kingsley; Director of Public Affairs at LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq; Deputy Director of the Maritime Safety Agency, Yusuf Rasheedat Abiodun; Dean of LASU’s School of Transport and Logistics, Prof. Ogochukwu Ugboma; and Deputy Corps Commander Akpobome J. Efefie, among others.
The award was received on behalf of Julius Berger by Region West Technical Officer, Engr. Rasheedat Anifowoshe and Civil Engineer Kolawole Olaleye.
The recognition underscores Julius Berger’s enduring commitment to delivering high-quality road infrastructure and engineering solutions that enhance safety, economic growth, and connectivity across Nigeria. Through the successful execution of major road and bridge projects nationwide, the company continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening the country’s transportation network.
The honour further reinforces Julius Berger’s standing as a leading construction company and acknowledges its contributions to the development of Nigeria’s transport infrastructure.
At the other event organised by the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Lagos Branch, held at the University of Lagos and themed Building Nigeria from Within, Julius Berger was presented with an Award of Excellence for its unwavering excellence in project delivery nationwide.
The program brought together engineering professionals and industry stakeholders to examine the role of local expertise, innovation, and technical excellence in national development.
In her remarks, the Chairman of NSE Lagos Branch, Engr. Olukorede Kesha, commended Julius Berger for consistently delivering high-quality infrastructure projects across the country. She highlighted notable projects such as the Opebi-Mende Road in Lagos and several flyover bridges in Port Harcourt, noting their positive impact on mobility, urban development, and economic activities.
The company’s profile was also spotlighted, emphasizing its position as an integrated construction firm known for executing complex projects using advanced engineering techniques and certified quality management systems. Its continuous investment in innovation, workforce training, and capacity development was identified as a key factor driving its leadership in Nigeria’s construction industry.
In her vote of thanks, Project Coordinator, Engr. Fatima Kosemani expressed appreciation for the recognition and reaffirmed Julius Berger’s commitment to supporting the engineering sector through excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Rescue operations intensified on Thursday in Port Harcourt after the collapse of a 5‑storey building under construction along Dr. Peter Odili Road near Eterna Filling Station, leading construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, other construction firms and government agencies stepping in to support emergency efforts.
The structure collapsed at about 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, trapping an unspecified number of construction workers and leaving residents of the Rivers State capital in shock. The incident occurred less than 24 hours after another building collapse in the city, further raising concerns about construction safety standards.
Eyewitnesses said several labourers were working in and around the building when it suddenly gave way. Early estimates indicated that at least seven persons were trapped beneath the rubble. Rescue efforts commenced immediately, with local residents, emergency responders, and security personnel working collaboratively to reach victims buried under the debris.
By Wednesday evening, three individuals had been rescued alive, while intensive search efforts continued to locate others.
Julius Berger Nigeria PLC played a critical role in the ongoing operations, deploying a range of heavy-duty and specialized equipment to support the rescue mission. These included excavators for debris removal, mobile cranes for lifting heavy concrete slabs, wheel loaders for clearing rubble, and dump trucks for transporting debris away from the site. The company also provided cutting and breaking tools, such as hydraulic breakers and concrete cutters, to carefully dismantle sections of the collapsed structure. In addition, lighting equipment and power generators were deployed to sustain operations into the night, while safety gear supported rescue personnel working in hazardous conditions.
The deployment of these resources significantly enhanced the efficiency of the rescue effort, enabling responders to access hard-to-reach areas and improve the chances of locating survivors.
Officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development were present at the scene, monitoring developments and coordinating activities alongside security agencies, including the police. Their role included assessing the situation and ensuring an organised response. However, the exact cause of the collapse had not been officially determined, with authorities expected to launch a thorough investigation.
Speaking on the company’s involvement, Julius Berger’s Regional Manager for South-South, Engr. Rimon Marisho, reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to public safety and community support. According to him, the company remains driven by a strong belief in contributing to meaningful progress, particularly in times of emergency.
At Julius Berger, we believe there are limitless opportunities for the company, the community, and the country to make tangible progress. This belief compels us to save lives and property by actively participating in rescue operations in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, he said.
Rescue operations were still ongoing as of Thursday, with Julius Berger and other agencies maintaining coordinated efforts to locate any remaining victims.
The incident has once again underscored the urgent need for strict compliance with building regulations and reinforced oversight to prevent future occurrences of such tragic collapses.
24 FEMALE BOXERS STEP INTO RING AS KEHINDE JOY OBAREH BOXING SHOW BEGINS IN LAGOS
Hundreds of Nigerians are expected to see some of the country’s most talented female boxers on Sunday in Lagos.
‘’The 1st Kehinde Obareh Female Boxing Show is expected to bring so many people to the National Stadium, Surulere on Sunday, June 28, 2026’’ a statement by kehinde Joy Obareh said Friday morning.
Tagged ‘’She fights, She wins’’, the women boxing competition, according to the organizers, is to give back to the community, give hope to the less privileged female boxers and create more awareness about female boxing to the sporting world.
24 boxers will take part in the 1st Kehinde Obareh Female Boxing Show when the action gets underway from 2pm at Brai Ayonote Gym, National Stadium, Surulere.
The boxers include Gafar Fathia (Crown B/C), Adeshina Zainab (Owonikoko B/C), Adepoju Rokibat (Shaku B/C), Adeshina Aishat (LASU B/C), Ajayi Nimotallah (Aso Rock B/C), Adeniji Aliyat (Blessed B/C), Adegboega Princess (Always B/C), Zainab Ibrahim (Segun Body B/C), Idowu Busao ( NPF B/C), Bibiloye Kabirat (Supreme B/C), Bonu Pesu (LASU B/C), Lawal Fathia (Biggest B/C), Anuoluwapo Akanni (Alwas B/C) and Kazeem Fathia (Mass Kenny).
Other boxers that will be competing include Sodipe Damilola ( A-King B/C), Ismail Abibat (Always B/C) , Olubuade Fridaus (Oluomo (B/C), Oluwafemi Oluwanifemi ( Crown B/C), Sodiq Tomiwa (Tiger 2 B/C), Ejeh Peculliar (Gao Star B/C), Adebisi Adenike (Biggest B/C), Adeinka Abigael (Brightess B/C) , Kareem Shukurat (Brightess B/C) and Oinkansola Kehinde (Morgan B/C).
Joy Obareh began her boxing journey at the age of 15 in Ketu, Lagos, Nigeria, and has since built a dynamic and accomplished career in boxing and kickboxing, representing Nigeria at numerous national and international events.
Over the years, she earned multiple medals, awards, and recognitions, including being ranked among the top female boxers globally.
The Apolo Grammar School and Ebenezer Noble Comprehensive College ex-student recently completed Advanced Diploma Boxing Coaching Course and Bronze Coaching Certificate in the United States.
Currently studying Business Administration at Southern New Hampshire University, USA, Obareh has fought over 100 fights and participated in several boxing competitions in Nigeria and abroad.