From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Bayelsà chapter has celebrated the International Women’s Day with the launching of a Mentor-Mentee Pairing Program targeted at promoting strategic value of sponsorship in shaping career trajectories.

The celebration, tagged the spirit of “Give to Gain: Unlocking Potential through Mentorship and Sponsorship” brought together the hosting of a transformative panel discussion, bringing together professionals, graduate engineers, young professionals, and students eager to grow and thrive.

The session,which was rich, insightful, and deeply engaging, as our distinguished panelists, seasoned professionals from academia and industry, shared practical wisdom on the power of mentorship and the strategic value of sponsorship in shaping career trajectories.

The conversations, which involved leading Female Engineers and academia, went beyond theory, offering real-life experiences, honest reflections, and actionable guidance that resonated strongly with participants.

It was inspiring to witness the enthusiasm, curiosity, and determination of the young women who attended, each one ready to embrace the opportunities ahead.

A major highlight of the program was the successful pairing of 27 young female engineers and students with accomplished senior engineers who have graciously committed to serve as mentors.

This moment also marked not just the end of an event, but the beginning of meaningful relationships that will nurture growth, build confidence, and open doors for the next generation of leaders in engineering.

Speaking the event, the Chairman of the APWEN,Bayelsà chapter,Engr. Amalate Ann-Jonathan Obuebite, Ph.D., FNSE, extended her heartfelt gratitude to the panelists who going forward will become mentors, investing their time, knowledge, and experience into these young minds.

“Your willingness to give is a powerful testament to the truth that when we pour into others, we collectively rise stronger.”

“To our mentees, this is your moment, embrace it fully, stay committed, and make the most of this invaluable opportunity. Together, we are not just building careers; we are shaping the future of engineering.”she stated

By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, the nation’s premier engineering construction powerhouse, is not only building bridges and highways but also weaving bonds of goodwill across communities.

In Rivers State, the company has recently intensified its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, leaving indelible marks of joy, inspiration, and empowerment on the faces of grateful beneficiaries.

Just last week, Julius Berger brought excitement to Community Primary School, Ogbunabali, Port Harcourt, by sponsoring the school’s annual Interhouse Sports competition.

Beyond presenting gleaming trophies to the top three winners, the company ensured the event’s success by providing canopies and other essential support.

In his address, Community Liaison Officer Hon. Chike urged the young athletes to cultivate focus and discipline from their formative years, reminding them that Julius Berger is deeply invested in their academic growth, physical well‑being, and the nurturing of their talents.

A few weeks earlier, the company opened its doors to Senior Secondary students from Bloombreed Schools, Port Harcourt, hosting them at its Regional Office on the Eastern Bypass.

The excursion began with a safety induction led by Regional HSE/CSR Manager, Tim Oseghe, before students were immersed in technical sessions designed to broaden their horizons and guide future career choices.

The highlight was a hands‑on facility tour, where experts including Laboratory Supervisor Kelly Ngbor, Civil Engineer Elorah Adebola, Maintenance Supervisor Abdul Samuel, HSE Supervisor Mike Fanisi, and HSE Officer Chima Nwaudah showcased the company’s cutting‑edge operations.

Earlier in February, Julius Berger had also sponsored joint interhouse sports competitions for several schools in the region.

At one of these events, Gabriel Ubani, Secretary of the State Universal Basic Education Board, encouraged students to balance academic excellence with sporting talent, underscoring the opportunities that await well‑rounded individuals. Similarly, at Model Primary School, Nkpogwu, Port Harcourt, company representatives emphasized the importance of holistic child developmental, academic, and physical, while urging students to embrace healthy, positive life choices.

According to Oseghe, these initiatives are not mere gestures but deliberate investments in shaping the next generation. Our objective is to promote the total well‑being of students, helping them grow into complete individuals equipped for life’s challenges, he reiterated.

Julius Berger’s CSR footprint extends far beyond sports and excursions. Across Rivers State and Nigeria at large, the company has donated food and relief items to orphanages and foundations, provided free vocational training for female children to empower them for greater exploits, and supported community development programs that foster resilience and opportunity.

With each initiative, Julius Berger demonstrates that its mission transcends engineering excellence; it is about building lives, nurturing dreams, and cementing a legacy of care and community empowerment.

By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

Former Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Archbishop Uche Kanu, has said that Nigeria’s leadership debate ahead of 2027 should not be defined by age, but by the quality of governance and patriotism—remarks that resonate with the rising profile of politician Adewole Adebayo.

Responding to questions about the growing call for younger leaders, the cleric declined to endorse any individual but emphasized that competence and love for Nigeria must take precedence over generational considerations.

“I don’t want to mention names. Whether the candidate is young or old, all we need is good governance—someone who loves this country,” he said.

His comments come at a time when Adebayo and other emerging political figures are gaining attention in national discourse, particularly among voters seeking alternatives to traditional political elites.

While not directly referencing any candidate, Kanu’s position underscores a broader expectation that leadership should be anchored on integrity, vision, and a genuine commitment to national development.

The archbishop maintained that both older and younger aspirants bring unique strengths—experience on one hand and dynamism on the other—but warned that neither attribute alone guarantees effective governance.

Instead, he stressed the need for leaders who are driven by selfless service and a desire to make Nigeria more prosperous and peaceful.

Kanu’s remarks add a moral dimension to the ongoing political conversations, suggesting that the electorate should look beyond age or regional sentiments and focus on candidates capable of delivering meaningful change.

As political momentum builds toward the 2027 elections, his message reinforces a growing sentiment among Nigerians that leadership credibility—rather than age brackets—should be the defining factor in choosing the nation’s next leaders.