Julius Berger champions youth empowerment, unveils new graduate trainees

In the face of Nigeria’s challenging economic landscape, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, a leading force in the engineering and construction industry, continues to make significant strides in youth empowerment. Recently, another group of trainees celebrated their graduation from the company’s prestigious Plant & Equipment Academy, a milestone that underscores Julius Berger’s unwavering commitment to nurturing the nation’s youth for a brighter future.

At the graduation ceremony, held with great fanfare last weekend, Alhaji Abdulaziz Kaita, the company’s Director of Administration, highlighted the significance of this achievement. He described the event as a testament to Julius Berger’s consistent dedication to Nigeria’s industrial and technological advancement. “Developing the potential of Nigeria’s youth cannot be left to the government alone,” Kaita asserted, emphasizing that patriotic corporate entities must actively seek ways to support governmental efforts in this crucial area.

Kaita painted a vivid picture of the youth demographic in Nigeria, pointing out that 70% of the nation’s 220 million people are under the age of 38. “With such a vast youthful population,” he continued, “it is imperative that we harness this potential through proper training and development.” He further noted that addressing youth unemployment could significantly reduce the nation’s security challenges, as empowering young people with skills and opportunities is a powerful tool in combating social unrest.

The Plant & Equipment Academy, established by Julius Berger, is a key part of the company’s strategy to contribute to national development. Kaita called on other corporate entities to follow Julius Berger’s example, stressing the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the challenges facing Nigeria’s youth. “It’s not just Julius Berger’s responsibility,” he urged, “other companies should also step up, train, and employ our youth, helping to lift them off the streets.”

Citing a report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Kaita highlighted the tangible benefits of such training programs, noting a 26% increase in performance among trained individuals compared to their untrained counterparts. He expressed confidence that the graduates, whether they remain with Julius Berger or move on to other ventures, will prove to be invaluable assets in their respective fields.

Since the inception of the Plant & Equipment Academy, Julius Berger has trained about 40 technicians, with 16 of them graduating at this recent ceremony—a significant achievement in the company’s ongoing efforts to support national development.

Kaita also took the opportunity to commend the Armed Forces Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Mechatronic School (AFEME), a major partner in Julius Berger’s training initiative, for their unwavering support.

Francois Roos, Head of the Plant and Equipment Department at Julius Berger, who initiated the training program, praised the graduates for their dedication and encouraged them to inspire others to seek similar opportunities. “The knowledge you have gained is not just for your benefit,” Roos advised, “it is something you should share with those around you, helping to create a ripple effect of growth and empowerment.”

The event was also attended by other senior officials of Julius Berger, including Mr. Olorunfemi Ojomo, Head of Human Resources; Festus Akin Ogunfuyi, Senior Manager of Training; Adeyinka Adeniyi, Talent Manager; Ajamah Himernuel, Coordinator of the Academy; Mr. James Agama, Head of Corporate Communications Department; and Happiness Moses, Media Relations Officer.

As Julius Berger continues to empower Nigeria’s youth through education and skill development, the company solidifies its role as a key player in the nation’s journey toward sustainable industrial growth and economic stability.