J’Berger appoints new Board Chairman

Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has appointed a new Board Chairman, Goni Sheikh, following the celebrated exit of its former Chairman, Mutiu Sunmonu.

This was disclosed in a statement by the company.

The company’s Managing Director, Dr. Peer Lubasch, said over the past 55 years, since 1970, Julius Berger has been privileged to be led by only seven remarkable chairmen.

He said, “This development represents a powerful testament to the unique qualities that have set Julius Berger apart in all ramifications. Sunmonu’s nine-year tenure as Board Chairman was an impactful period, as major accomplishments of Sunmonu include the modernisation of board practices, strategic diversification like venturing into construction activities outside Nigeria, human capital development, and execution of landmark projects like the Second Niger Bridge, FAMFA Office Tower in Lagos and Hyatt Regency Hotel also in Lagos, as well as many more civil and building projects throughout Nigeria, both for public and private clients.

“Sunmonu was a listening leader; his ability to moderate and manage the differing views of the Board without micromanaging the executive management was key to maintaining harmony and focus. He was a trusted partner to executive management, always approachable and always insightful, with a unique ability to offer fresh perspectives and give guidance through experience.”

Lubasch further noted that with Sheikh’s extensive experience in both public and private sectors and as a valued board member of the company since July 2019, the new board chairman has earned the deep respect and admiration of the board.

“He embodies continuity and reliability. His insights and professionalism have consistently enriched our deliberations, and we are confident that his leadership will usher in continued growth, innovation and diversification for our company,” he said.

Responding to his exit, the former chairman said the occasion was a demonstration of success and achievements.

Acknowledging the Minister of Works, David Umahi, Sunmonu dispelled any attribution of discord between the minister and Jullius Berger.

He said, “The minister is my friend, so there is no problem between us and Umahi. I think Umahi loves Julius Berger. And my analogy is the relationship between a father and a son. When you love your son so much, you want the best from him every time, adding that we are determined to reset that relationship, and I can assure you that we are on the path of that reset. So, Umahi, thank you for coming here, and I promise you that Engineer Goni, a fellow engineer like yourself, will start to work with you and our managing director in making sure that the relationship with yourself, your ministry and the Federal Government becomes one of the best in the country.

“Before long, Julius Berger will become a conglomerate; however, the future will surely be much more challenging and probably turbulent, but I am confident that I am leaving behind a team that has the audacity to win. So, we’re expanding, and we are quite ambitious about that. And for the first time we are getting foreign exchange, coming back to our country to improve our economy. We shall work to excel there, among others.”