By Ayomide Otitoju
Lafarge Africa Plc has successfully graduated 40 women from its Female Tilers and Block Making Training Program in a ceremony held at the Civic Centre in Lagos. The event marked a significant step in the company’s commitment to gender equality and women empowerment in the construction industry, attracting key government officials and industry leaders.
The four-week training program, aimed at equipping women from underserved communities with essential skills in tiling and block making, utilized Lafarge’s flagship products, Supafix and Supaset. By providing hands-on training, Lafarge seeks to break gender barriers in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
Lafarge Africa’s CEO, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, congratulated the graduates, emphasizing that the program was not just about completing a course but opening doors to new opportunities. He commended the trainers for their expertise and mentorship, which played a pivotal role in the graduates’ transformations. “Lafarge Africa stands behind you as you embark on your journey toward success,” Alade-Akinyemi said.
Viola Graham-Douglas, Director of Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainable Development at Lafarge Africa, highlighted the broader impact of the program. “By empowering women with valuable skills, we are not just advancing their careers but contributing to community growth,” she stated, encouraging graduates to become role models.
The ceremony was attended by various officials, including Mrs. Feyishayo Alayande, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, who praised Lafarge’s efforts in empowering women and promoting workforce inclusion. “This graduation shows that women can excel in male-dominated fields,” Alayande said.
Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, expressed pride in the graduates and announced plans to collaborate with Lafarge to extend such opportunities to more young women.
Additionally, Mr. Jamiu Alli Balogun, Commissioner for Basic Education, emphasized the long-term benefits of the skills the graduates acquired, which he said would positively impact their communities.
Mrs. Oreoluwa Awokoya, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on SDGs, encouraged the graduates to support each other professionally and highlighted her office’s commitment to working with organizations like Lafarge to further gender equality and skill development.
Among the graduates, Mrs. Ahmed Rafat Ayodeji and Favour Dickson shared their personal stories of transformation, expressing how the program had given them the confidence to pursue careers in the construction industry.
Each graduate received a certificate, essential tools, and was enrolled in the Block Makers and Tilers Association of Nigeria, providing them with access to a professional network. Several graduates were also offered immediate employment opportunities by stakeholders present at the event.
L-R. Feyisayo Alayande, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF); Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, GMD/CEO, Lafarge Africa Plc; Adewunmi Alode, General Counsel & Company Secretary, Lafarge Africa Plc; Ahmed Ayodeji, Outstanding Graduate in Tiling; and Viola Graham-Douglas, Director, Communications, Public Affairs & Sustainable Development, Lafarge Africa Plc, at the graduation ceremony of 40 women from the Lafarge Africa Female Tilers and Block Making Training Program, held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos
L-R. Viola Graham-Douglas, Director, Communications, Public Affairs & Sustainable Development, Lafarge Africa Plc, Temitope Runsewe, Managing Director, Dutum Construction; Feyisayo Alayande, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF); Oreoluwa Awokoya, Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on SDG; and Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, GMD/CEO, Lafarge Africa Plc; at the graduation ceremony of 40 women from the Lafarge Africa Female Tilers and Block Making Training Program, held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos
