By Fred Ezeh

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Kado, one of the oldest districts in Abuja was shutdown last Saturday. From the Kado roundabout to Jabi Lake, the atmosphere clearly told the story.  There were exotic cars, elegant ladies and high net-worth individuals to show that an unusual event was taking place. It was the long service award ceremony organized by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
The award was in appreciation of staff that have put in 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years of continuous in the company. The organization claimed that contributions of these staff have made it one of the most respectable and reliable construction companies in Nigeria.
The ceremony attracted dignitaries from different strata in the society. They were all present to celebrate with the awardees, their families, friends, as well as the management of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc .
The recipients, 878 of them were easily noticed as they gorgeously dressed in their best attires. Their flamboyant dressing clearly showed the importance they attached to the award. Prior to the award day, the selected recipients received emoluments and other entitlements that accompanied the award, as a sign of appreciation for their meritorious service.
One by one, their names were mentioned for recognition and photo session with the management of the German construction company for memories and posterity.
Aside the plaque that each awardee received, 10 years of service awardees received a 26” flat screen colour plasma television (or cash equivalent), one month basic salary. 15 years award recipients got a twin-door refrigerator (or cash equivalent) one and half month basic salary.
For 20 years awardees they were handed six months of basic salary while 25 years awardees recieved nine months basic salary. In the case of 30 years awardees, they were given nine months basic salary, rent subsidy, transport and meal subsidy.
However, those who laughed loudest were recipients of 35 years service award. They were handed 10 months basic salary, rent subsidy/ housing allowance, transport and meal subsidy/ allowance, while the 40 years awardees got 12 months basic salary, rent subsidy/allowance, transport and meal subsidy/allowance.
Executive Director, Administration, Zubairu Baye, shared in the joy of the award recipients: “The award was meant to give due recognition to dependable and highly valued workforce, that we recognized as the engine room of the company’s excellent engineering construction projects and signatures across the landscape of Nigeria.
“Close to 1,500 staff received the 2015 long service award, but the number was reduced to 878 this year. But even at that, the figure is still on the high side, because the current economic situation has affected construction companies, leaving them with the option of downsizing.
“Nevertheless, the awardees have spent better part of their life time working for Julius Berger and they deserve the award. But despite the emoluments and other entitlements that accompanied the award, there was need to organize such a light occasion to appreciate their immense contributions to continous growth of the company.”
He thanked the awardees for their meritorious service to the company, urging them not to relax but put in more effort and expertise in their different areas of specialization for continuous delivery of world class service to clients. He informed them that the management is watching and monitoring their diligence and commitment to duty and would adequately reward them or otherwise, when necessary.
Mr. Ezinne Timothy, the only staff rewarded for 40 years of service expressed gratitude to the company for recognising his effort and contributions to the development of the company. He said that the award would encourage him to put in more effort towards the growth and development of the company.