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Tag: Lafarge

  • Lafarge goes ‘beyond buildings’

    Lafarge goes ‘beyond buildings’

    Lafarge Africa Plc, a building solutions company, has unveiled a thematic campaign tagged: ‘’Beyond buildings.”   It geared towards highlighting its impact and contributions to Nigeria’s infrastructural development.

    The campaign was unveiled by the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Lafarge Africa Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, in Lagos.

    Alade-Akinyemi noted that the campaign highlighted how Lafarge, through innovative and sustainable building solutions, had continued to shape Nigeria’s socio-economic development and progress.

    “For over six decades, beyond the manufacturing of building solutions, we have partnered in building the foundation of Nigeria’s infrastructural development and its future.

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    “This also extends to the expansion of our production capacity nationwide, creating jobs and livelihoods, bringing development to communities, and introducing innovative products to meet the ever-evolving construction needs of Nigeria,” he said.

    Commercial Director of Lafarge Africa Plc, Gbenga Onimowo, said the premiere viewing was an opportunity to share the compelling reasons the company’s story, ‘Beyond Buildings,’ must be told.

    He said said the campaign aimed to reinforce the company’s position at the heart of Nigeria’s construction growth since independence, as demonstrated by its extensive footprint of infrastructure development across every corner of the country.

    The event was attended by stakeholders from the building and construction sector, as well as the arts, culture, media and entertainment industry, alongside many of the company’s esteemed customers, including veteran Nollywood actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) and Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw.

  • Lafarge Africa to train 1,000 PWDs

    Lafarge Africa to train 1,000 PWDs

    Lafarge Africa Plc, a building solutions company renowned for creating a greener planet through innovation and operational excellence, has commemorated International Day of Persons with Disabilities  with the participants of its Disability-to-Ability (D2A) Programme.

    It was in partnership with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) and Tunde Onakoya,  Founder, Chess in Slums Africa, and Guinness World Record Holder for the longest marathon chess game.

    The D2A Programme, themed: “Ability Reimagined,” which kicked off  is designed to train 100 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and equip them with market-relevant vocational and entrepreneurial skills that open pathways to employment, business development, and long-term self-reliance. Participants will receive hands-on training in four key areas: Laptop and Phone Repairs, Make-Up and Gele, Wig and Braids Making, and Shoe and Bag Making.

    To ensure accessibility and inclusivity, the programme was implemented across two hubs; Ikeja (Lagos West) and Ikorodu (Lagos East), allowing beneficiaries from different parts of the state to participate fully.

    Speaking at the event, the Director of Communications, Public Affairs & Sustainable Development, Lafarge Africa Plc, Viola Graham-Douglas, described the initiative as a reflection of Lafarge’s commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods. She expressed her appreciation to the partners for championing inclusion and supporting the success of the programme.

    Graham-Douglas explained that beyond technical skills, the programme will expose participants to entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and mentorship sessions coordinated by LSETF, ensuring that beneficiaries are not only skilled but also ready to thrive as business owners or professionals in their chosen fields.

     “This programme is very important to us at Lafarge and underscores our commitment to our communities. We don’t just produce building solutions, we build society, homes, and empower people to be the best that they possibly can be”, she said.

     “Everyone has a right to dignity, to make a living, and we believe in real opportunities. A society is not governed by the policy, it is governed by people, committed people, people who really want to make a difference. We really want to make a difference in people’s lives and an inclusive society is one where everyone can make a living and give back in their own way,” she added.

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    In his speech, the program partner, Tunde Onakoya lifted the spirits of the participants, citing his personal story and how playing chess and reading books gave him the opportunity to travel the world despite his condition. He charged the beneficiaries to believe in themselves and take utmost advantage of the Lafarge D2A programme as a valuable opportunity. He encouraged them to be diligent with their God-given skills and use them as a blessing to the world. He commended Lafarge for providing such an opportunity that empowers people living with disabilities.

    Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Mrs. Feyisayo Alayande, joined other key stakeholders at the event to engage the beneficiaries in a speed mentoring session.

    Also speaking, the General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, who was represented by Dr Adekola Oluwafunmilayo, Director, Monitoring and Evaluation, LASODA emphasized that the responsibility of building an inclusive society does not lie with the government alone but  is a shared task that requires collaboration, compassion, and consistent effort from every stakeholder.

    She commended the partnership of Lafarge Africa Plc and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) for the impactful entrepreneurship training, which has over 100 beneficiaries. “By supporting business registration and providing starter toolkits at the end of the training, you are empowering these individuals to begin their entrepreneurial journeys with confidence and clarity. This is the kind of thoughtful support that truly transforms lives, and we at LASODA sincerely appreciate your commitment” she concluded.

  • Lafarge Africa reinforces commitment to community development, lifts schools

    Lafarge Africa reinforces commitment to community development, lifts schools

    As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Lafarge Africa Plc, a member of the Huaxin Group, a leading Nigerian building solutions company, has reaffirmed its commitment to quality education and community development through the remodeling and upgrading of Christian Pelamourges Memorial Baptist Day Nursery and Primary School, Agbesi, Ewekoro, Ogun State.

    The comprehensive renovation encompassed the refurbishment of five blocks of classroom, extension of the Head Teacher’s office, and the construction of new dining and toilet facilities. It also included significant structural improvements such as new roofing, electrical and plumbing works, plastering, tiling, and painting across the classroom blocks. In addition, new furnishings, including desks, chairs, and library shelves, as well as dining tables, were provided to enhance comfort and functionality.

    A fully functional playground and football field were also installed for the use of pupils and staff alike.Speaking about the project, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge Africa Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, stated that the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to advancing education as a key driver of sustainable development.

    “At Lafarge Africa, we believe that quality education is one of the most powerful tools for building the future of children. Through projects like the Christian Pelamourges Memorial Baptist Day Nursery and Primary School, Agbesi renovation, we are not only improving infrastructure but also empowering young minds and creating an environment where learning can truly thrive. This investment demonstrates our commitment to strengthening the social fabric of our host communities and ensuring that no child is left behind,” Alade-Akinyemi said.

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    Also speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Ogun State, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, said the renovation aligned with the state’s school facility rehabilitation programme. 

    “Ogun State government under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun is intentional about education by deliberately and scientifically rehabilitating the state education facilities. We cannot do this alone, and that is where the private sector comes in. We appreciate Lafarge for this global standard facility, which aligns with the state’s rehabilitation pillars. The company has again demonstrated its commitment to giving back to its community. I encourage you to do more so that the impact can be felt more. I also assure you that this facility will be properly maintained,” Arigbabu said.

    The Chairman of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Evangelist Joshua Ifede, commended Lafarge Africa for its partnership and community development aimed at securing the future of our children.

    Expressing gratitude on behalf of the SUBEB, he said: “SUBEB expresses profound appreciation to Lafarge for this investment. You have shown that corporate social responsibility can indeed be a noble assignment. This is a global standard upgrade that will enhance the teaching process, promote engagement among the pupils, and motivate the teachers.”

    The Head Teacher, Christian Pelamourges Memorial Baptist Day Nursery and Primary School, Agbesi, Mrs Ayoola Oluwaseunayo, expressed appreciation to Lafarge Africa for the transformation, describing it as a life-changing intervention that will impact generations of learners.

    To show appreciation to Lafarge Africa for providing a suitable environment to promote their learning and development, the elated students presented a beautiful song that they had composed for the company.

    During the ceremony, Lafarge Africa Plc also donated 2,000 copies of Mathematics textbooks to the Ogun State government to support the preparation of students for their Senior School Certificate Examination.  

    The Christian Pelamourges Memorial Baptist Day Nursery and Primary School, Agbesi renovation project exemplifies Lafarge Africa’s broader sustainability agenda, which focuses on empowering communities. By investing in young learners and providing better educational facilities, Lafarge continues to build lasting value in the communities where it operates.

  • Ogun community leaders urge firms to emulate Lafarge

    Ogun community leaders urge firms to emulate Lafarge

    Leaders of Isoso Community in Shagamu GRA, Ogun State, have praised  Lafarge Africa Plc. for building the first police station in the community.

    The community leaders spoke during the handover  of the police station to officers of the Nigerian Police Force. They said other companies should emulate Lafarge Africa’s gesture.

    Chairman, Royal Initiative for Development of Shagamu Community (RIDSCO), Sammy Ogunjimi, said the project was started by the Isoso Community leaders before RIDSCO came in but was put on hold due to financial constraints.

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    “We faced challenges beyond our expectations and we reached out to Lafarge Africa to support us. They accepted and today, we are here for the handover ceremony. This would not have been possible without them. We have a lot of ongoing projects aimed at developing our community and we depend on partners like Lafarge Africa. I urge other companies to emulate what Lafarge Africa is doing. Having this police station will improve security within the community,” Ogunjimi said.

    Also, the state Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, stressed the need for security presence in the community.

    “While driving to this location, I understand the reason why there is a need for a police station in this vicinity.  Communities always want to have police presence, but there is a difference between wanting something and making it happen.

    “We are grateful for the resolve of the community to make this happen. We will provide logistics and personnel for effective operation.

    “I also call on the community to hold us accountable for our work and maintenance of this property.

  • Court to hear suit on proposed sale of Lafarge

    Court to hear suit on proposed sale of Lafarge

    All is now set for a high-stakes legal showdown at Federal High Court in Lagos in the suit challenging the proposed sale of Lafarge Africa Plc to a Chinese firm, Huaxin Cement Limited.

     This follows a major legal blow to Lafarge Africa and its parent company, Holcim Group, after the court dismissed a motion to challenge its jurisdiction to hear the case.

     The legal battle was initiated by Strategic Consultancy Limited, a Nigerian firm and shareholder in Lafarge Africa, over what it describes as a “surreptitious” divestment of the company’s 83.81 per cent majority shares held by Holcim Group.

     The planned sale to Huaxin Cement, a Chinese-based multinational, is at the centre of the controversy.

     In the trial, the court will examine whether the transaction violates Nigerian laws, including Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, Securities and Exchange Commission Act, and Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) Act, especially in relation to minority shareholder rights and dealings with foreign entities not registered in Nigeria.

    Lafarge Africa, publicly listed on the Nigerian Exchange, became a dominant force in the local cement market after acquiring 83 per cent stakes in three former Federal Government-owned cement firms during the privatisation of 2001 and 2002.

    Holcim Group, a Swiss multinational and majority owner of Lafarge Africa, had notified SEC of internal restructuring.

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    However, Strategic Consultancy alleges that the planned share divestment was conducted secretly and without giving local shareholders, including itself, right of first refusal or opportunity to acquire the shares.

    The suit, filed against Lafarge Africa, Holcim Group, Nigerian Exchange, and Central Securities Clearing System, argues that the transaction undermines rights of minority shareholders and involves unlawful dealings with unregistered foreign corporations.

    During pre-trial on May 15, Justice Lewis Allagoa ruled against Lafarge’s objection contesting its jurisdiction.

    The objection, raised by Babatunde Fagbohunlu (SAN) for Lafarge and Uzoma Azikiwe (SAN) for Holcim Group, was dismissed following arguments from Dr. D.A. Awosika (SAN), counsel to Strategic Consultancy Limited.

    “The first and second defendants’ motion objecting to the court’s jurisdiction is dismissed,” Justice Allagoa ruled.

    In a twist, the court ordered Caricement BV (Netherlands) and Associated International Cements (England) be joined as fifth and sixth defendants.

    Both were identified by the respondents as beneficial owners of the shares. The court also granted leave to serve the new parties outside Nigeria.

     “It is ordered that the persons sought to be joined herein and hereby joined as prayed and leave to issue and serve the originating summons out of jurisdiction is hereby granted,” the judge said.

    ‎‎With the court affirming its jurisdiction and expanding the list of defendants, attention now shifts to the substantive hearing, where the legality of the multi-billion-dollar transaction and the alleged marginalisation of minority shareholders will come under judicial scrutiny.

  • Court rejects Lafarge’s bid to stop shares sales

    Court rejects Lafarge’s bid to stop shares sales

    A Lagos Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi,  has dismissed an  application by Lafarge Africa Plc challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear a suit against its planned sale of the company shares  to a Chinese investor.

    A Nigerian company and Shareholder in Lafarge Africa, Strategic Consultancy Limited, had taken the cement company to court over its planned divestment of 83.8 percent majority shares held by its parent company in the Nigerian cement industry.

    Lafarge, which is listed on the Nigerian exchange, acquired 83 percent of the total shares of three federal government-owned cement companies during the privatisation exercises of 2001 and 2002.

    The company had informed the Security and Exchange Commission of an internal restructuring by Holcim Group, the Swiss firm that holds 83.81 percent of Lafarge Africa’s issued share capital.

    Strategic Consultancy had sued Lafarge, Holcim Group, Nigerian Exchange Limited, and the Central Securities Clearing System seeking to stop the planned sale Lafarge to Huaxin Cement Limited, a foreign company based in China.

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    The action was instituted based on the following: “That the sale was done surreptitiously without affording Strategic Consultancy Limited and the other minority shareholders the opportunity to acquire the shares.

    The applicant also claimed that the purported sale to a foreign company that is not registered in Nigeria runs foul of regulations and statutes such as the Companies & Allied Matters Act, 2020, the Securities & Exchange Act and the Nigeria Investment Promotions Act on the right of minority shareholders and prohibition of transactions with unregistered foreign entities.

    In a ruling delivered on yesterday by Justice Lewis Allagoa, after hearing the submissions of Dr D.A. Awosika (SAN) counsel for the Plaintiff and Babatunde Fagbohunlu (SAN) counsel for the 1st defendant and Uzoma Azikiwe (SAN) Counsel for the second defendant, dismissed the preliminary objection by the defence team that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

    “The 1st and 2nd defendants’ motion objecting to the Court’s jurisdiction is hereby dismissed”, Justice Allagoa ruled.

    The judge also ordered that Caricement BV, Netherlands, and Associated International Cements Ltd, England, which the respondents claimed owned the shares be joined as 5th and 6th defendants in the suit respectively.

    Justice Allagoa granted  the applicant’s counsel leave to serve the two new parties outside of jurisdiction the court proceedings.

     “It is hereby ordered that the persons sought to be joined herein and hereby joined as prayed and leave to issue and serve the Originating Summons out of jurisdiction is hereby granted” he stated.

    The matter has been adjourned to June 11, 2025, for continuation of proceedings

  • Lafarge trains 30 female truck drivers

    Lafarge trains 30 female truck drivers

    Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading innovative and sustainable building solutions company and manufacturer of a range of cement brands, has graduated 30 female truck drivers through its Women on Wheels (WOW) initiative.

    The new sets of graduates from the Lafarge Driving Institute were unveiled at an elaborate graduation ceremony in Calabar, Cross River State, recently.

    In his remarks at the ceremony, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Lafarge Africa Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, praised WoW as a gamechanging initiative in a male-dominated profession. The initiative has produced 103 female truck drivers since inception in 2019.

    According to him, “Lafarge Africa is committed to empowering women and ensuring stakeholder safety. Our initiative to train female truck drivers is a game-changer in Nigeria’s male-dominated transportation industry.”

    He stated further: “We are adding 30 more women to our growing list. In 2021, 56 women graduated from our Mfamosing operations, and recently, 17 did from our Ewekoro operations. This addresses driver shortages, enhances transportation, sets industry benchmarks, promotes sustainability, and increases gender diversity in logistics.”

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    Speaking at the ceremony, the Logistics Director, Lafarge Africa Plc, Osazemen Aghatise, stated that the excellent performance of previous WoW graduates has spurred the company to invest more in the training programme.

    “The success of our female truck drivers has encouraged us to expand the programme, enhancing safety, efficiency, and gender equality in our logistics,” he said.

    In her charge to the graduating students, Hon Edema Irom, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Cross River State, charged the ladies to continue to extend the frontiers of excellence in which they have displayed to attain this new height.

    According to her, Cross River State is always advocating for the enhancement of the lives of the girl child, and you must be our great ambassadors of the state and the nation at large.

    The best graduating student of the set, Nzom Gertrude, appreciated Lafarge Africa for making the dream a reality. Reflecting on the journey, she said, “Many people assumed that we couldn’t achieve this feat. However, with the encouragement of the instructors and our families, we have done it.”

    Addressing the graduates, representative of Integrated Automotive Services Limited (IASL), Kemi Shobayo, advised them to drive with confidence, lead with integrity and never forget that they are role models to young girls who dare to dream big.

    Women on Wheels initiative is an inclusive programme designed to empower women by providing them with the skills and knowledge to become professional truck drivers. The programme focuses on providing road safety guidelines, technical skills, and defensive driving techniques necessary for success in the male-dominated logistics industry.

    The celebration was graced by Lafarge Driving Institute partners, industry regulators, government officials, and community stakeholders, including the Cross River State Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Ekpeyong Cobham; Cross River State Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Hon. Effiom Ekaha; and Chairman, Akampa Local Government, Hon. Felix Okposi, among others.

  • Lafarge takes GBV campaign to school

    Lafarge takes GBV campaign to school

    Lafarge Africa PLC has launched an awareness campaign on gender-based violence across its communities as part of activities to commemorate the International Women’s Day.

    Speaking during the gender-based sensitization and defense workshop at Onitolo Community Senior High School, Lagos, the Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Director, Lafarge Africa,  Viola Graham-Douglas explained that the workshop aimed at helping young girls to understand the meaning of gender-based violence and the right approach to address and avoid it.

    According to Graham-Douglas, gender-based violence is not just about inflicting physical harm to the victims, but is  any action that makes one  feel unsafe, disrespected, or powerless because of one’s gender.

    She  added: “Today’s workshop serves as a huge opportunity for us to assist those that need support. We need to make them aware of how best to defend themselves should they find themselves in any form of abuse.”

    She encouraged the young girls  to be bold, confident and self-aware whether at school, or anywhere else they find themselves.

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    The Chief Executive Officer, Famasi Africa, Adeola Ayoola challenged them  to be  courageous in confronting their fears by exposing those people involved in gender-based violence. She added that being bold and courageous would bring shame to the actors.

    Ayoola urged the young women and girls to avoid seeking people’s validation for their actions as this could make them vulnerable to gender-based violence. She therefore charged them to be self-confident and believe in themselves.

    Chief Executive Officer, The Re-Direct Academy, Helen Oladele, a gender-based advocate, stressed the need for young ladies to be disciplined and inculcate the right values that would help them shape the future they desire.

    The gender-based sensitization and defence workshop was put together by Lafarge Africa PLC  in partnership with Education District IV, Lagos Ministry of Education.

  • Lafarge reaffirms commitment to women empowerment

    Lafarge reaffirms commitment to women empowerment

    Lafarge Africa PLC, a building solutions company and manufacturer of a range of cement brands, has underscored its commitment to gender inclusion, workplace diversity, and women’s empowerment .

    It was during the celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) at The Hall Conference Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The theme was:  “Bold and Built: Mastering the Art of Balance to Thrive at Work and at Home.”

    The event brought together accomplished leaders, professionals, and executives who shared their experiences, discussed workplace challenges, and explored strategies for achieving career success while maintaining personal well-being.

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    Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Lafarge Africa, Mr. Lolu Akinyemi reinforced the company’s commitment to gender inclusion.

    “At Lafarge, we are very proud of our strides and commitment to gender equality. It’s not a cliché, with every opportunity we walk the talk. We have set clear targets for gender diversity, particularly in managerial positions, and we continue to make great strides to ensure women have equitable opportunities to thrive,” he said.

    Senior Partner, The Venture Capital Firm TLCOM, Dr Omobola Johnson shared invaluable insights on work-life balance and career growth, emphasizing the importance of long-term perspective in managing responsibilities.

    “You can have it all, but not at the same time. Work-life balance is not something you achieve daily—it is something that balances out over time. Prioritization is key: ask yourself, ‘Will I regret doing this or regret not doing it?’ and let that guide your decisions,” she advised.

    Mr. Tonye Cole, Co-founder, Sahara Energy, Mr. Toñye Cole addressed  the systematic challenges women face in society, particularly regarding inheritance rights, workplace biases, and leadership opportunities. He emphasized the need for inclusive policies, proactive advocacy, and the critical role of male allies in driving gender equality.

    Cole underscored that diversity is not just a corporate metric but a catalyst for innovation and sustainable progress.

    “You need to have more women in the boardroom, in decision-making.

     They make a big difference as to how it is done. The lens that women look out of is totally different. It took a woman to point out to me as CEO that we were doing something wrong, and I didn’t believe it—until I saw the reality,” he said.

  • Lafarge empowers customers with 155 trucks

    Lafarge empowers customers with 155 trucks

    Lafarge Africa Plc has allocated 155 trucks to its customers to enhance their logistics capabilities.

    It reaffirmed its commitment to supporting customer growth and operational excellence.

    The company said the milestone initiative underscores its dedication to empowering customers and fostering long-term partnerships built on mutual growth and success.

    Commercial Director, Gbenga Onimowo, described the initiative as transformative for the company and its customers.

    Represented by Head of Sales, Lagos, Babatunde Odufote, he said: “Today marks a transformative moment in Lafarge Africa’s unwavering commitment to our customers’ success.

    “These trucks are more than just vehicles – they are tools of empowerment designed to enhance supply chain control, strengthen market presence, and unlock new business opportunities.

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    “This is not just an investment in logistics; it’s an investment in our shared vision for progress and sustainable growth.”

    Highlighting the operational significance of the initiative, Logistics Director of Lafarge Africa, Osaze Aghatise, represented by Head of Logistics Projects, Ogbonna Arua, said: “Logistics is a cornerstone of any business, particularly in the construction and building materials industry.

    “Timely and efficient delivery of products is essential for meeting project timelines, satisfying customers, and maintaining our competitive edge.

    “With these 155 trucks, we are equipping our customers to deliver Lafarge products with greater efficiency, ensuring reliability and excellence in service delivery across the nation.”

    The beneficiaries expressed their excitement and gratitude for the initiative by the leading innovative and sustainable building solutions company.

    A long-time Lafarge partner, Abiodun Akinleye of Abiodun Akinleye Nigeria Enterprises, said: “This initiative will help us expand our market reach and grow our businesses.