By Chux Nzeh
There was palpable excitement at the 55th Annual General Meeting, AGM, of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc as shareholders welcomed the company’s new leadership team with optimism and enthusiasm.
While presiding over their first AGM since appointment, the new Chairman of the Board, Engr. Goni Sheikh, and Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Peer Lubasch, received resounding support from shareholders at the well-attended event held recently at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
The mood in the hall was buoyant, as shareholders actively participated in deliberations, expressing confidence in the duo’s ability to steer the company to greater heights.
As a display of confidence in the leadership, the shareholders unanimously approved all board resolutions, including dividend payments, the appointment of new executive and non-executive directors, the re-election of serving directors, and the formal appointment of Engr. Goni Sheikh as a board member.
Speaking at the meeting, the Managing Director of the company, Lubasch, acknowledged the tough economic environment in which the company has operated over the past year.
He cited persistent macroeconomic challenges including currency devaluation, foreign exchange scarcity, surging construction costs, rising inflation, fuel price hikes, high interest rates, global market volatility, and domestic security concerns.
“These challenges have created a difficult and unpredictable business climate, particularly for the construction industry. However, in line with our mission, we have continued to transform these challenges into real opportunities,” he said.
He emphasized that Julius Berger has responded with agility and resilience, focusing on efficiency and long-term sustainability.
He disclosed that the company recorded a historic high in revenue, expanded its asset base, and maintained strong performance across both new and ongoing projects during the reporting period.
Lubasch attributed the company’s success to its clear, forward-looking strategy, the strength of its core operations, the synergies created through its subsidiaries, and a deliberate policy of diversification.
“In terms of regional diversification, we have made notable progress, including the successful acquisition of two contracts in the Republic of Benin,” he said, assuring shareholders of even greater achievements ahead.
“This is the result of disciplined strategy execution, dynamic leadership, committed teams, and our guiding principles of excellence, responsibility, courage, and collaboration,” he said.
Lubasch further reaffirmed the leadership’s commitment to building a future anchored on innovation and global best practices.
“Though the future holds uncertainties, we are confident that Julius Berger will continue to be defined by excellence and innovation, operating sustainably and in alignment with our core values,” he said.
A shareholder from the Southwest region, who could not be named, said, “Our previous leaders did well, but with this new leadership team of Goni Sheikh and Peer Lubasch, we expect even better days for our dear Julius Berger.”
