In a grand celebration marking its 2023
Community Day, Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading innovative and sustainable
building solutions company, has launched a series of impactful Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) projects across its operational hubs in Ashaka, Gombe
State, Mfamosing, Cross River State, and Ewekoro, Ogun State. This annual
tradition underscores Lafarge Africa's unwavering commitment to sustainable
business practices and corporate citizenship in Nigeria.
Amidst cheers and applause,
Lafarge Africa revealed a diverse array of CSR projects, each meticulously
designed to address specific needs within the host communities.
In Ashaka, Gombe State, the
company inaugurated a cutting-edge school infrastructure project in Lariski,
AnguwanKellumi, and JauroMaza. Additionally, Lafarge Africa launched
agricultural ecology projects, including the distribution of 900 bags of
Urea/NPK for community farmers, and forged a partnership with NAERLS, ABU,
Zaria, to establish demonstration farms and conduct sensitization programs. The
community also received food palliatives for vulnerable and elderly
individuals, scholarships for 50 students in Funakaya/Maiganga, and support for
200 students through the Grema Mustapha Scholarship scheme, each receiving
#60,000.
Further interventions in Ashaka
encompassed solar borehole drilling at Emir of Funakaye's Palace Bajoga,
WuroAchama, Sharfuri Maternity, and JalingoAshaka. Lafarge Africa also
committed to rural and community roads rehabilitation from workers village to
Ashaka-Garri and Lariski and Sabon GariMaza, Pindiga Emir’s palace chamber
renovation, clinic conversion to doctors' quarters, and medical outreach
programs benefiting coal mining communities and Funakaye residents.
In Mfamosing, Cross Rivers State,
Lafarge Africa commissioned the Solar Street Lights project at Akwa Ikot
Effanga Community and Akpabuyo Local Government Area. The company provided
educational support for 100 secondary and 40 tertiary students, provided NYSC
support to host community schools, distributed over 10,000 exercise books, and
supplied school desks while adopting school projects across host communities'
primary and secondary schools. Healthcare enhancements included equipping
health centers with drugs in Abiati, Essien Town, and Akansoko, as well as
constructing health worker lodges at Mfamosing community and training centers
at EkongAnaku. Community infrastructure projects involved building a town hall
at Mbobui, equipping Kasuk training center with modern tools for fashion and
design training, and providing portable water in Abiati, Diamond, and Essien
Town. Moreover, Lafarge Africa contributed to community livelihood through food
and business equipment donations to 150 elders and implemented an Agricecology
palm fruits project across host communities.
In Ewekoro, Ogun State, Lafarge
Africa spearheaded a groundbreaking transformational project, focusing on the
construction of a 100-meter reinforced concrete road in Alagutan community.
Other initiatives included the construction of Itori Magistrate Court Staff
Quarters, culvert construction at Wasinmi Alafia, and an ongoing culvert
construction at Olapeleke community. The company extended electrification
services to the newly relocated OkeokoEgbado community, replaced a 330KVA
transformer at OkeokoSekoni and Akinbo communities, and trained and equipped 48
individuals from host communities to establish their businesses. Lafarge Africa
also provided business equipment to 192 elders, granted bursaries to support
204 local students enrolled in public tertiary institutions, distributed
educational materials to enhance learning standards in public schools, and
distributed over 5,000 exercise books to primary and secondary schools in host
communities. Healthcare improvements included supplying Papalanto Community
Health Centers with essential equipment and medicines, furnishing Elebute
Community Health Center Staff Quarters, erecting a fence around the community
town hall, renovating and fencing EgbadoAjegunle Health Center, and conducting
medical outreach programs.
The Community Day event drew the
presence of esteemed government officials, community leaders, and members of
the host communities, all eager to witness the positive transformations brought
about by Lafarge Africa's CSR initiatives. They commended the company for its
commitment to the progress and development of their communities, expressing
their support and commitment.
Speaking at the Mfamosing
celebration, the Deputy Governor of Cross Rivers State, Mr. Peter Odey,
represented by the Head of Personal Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr.
Chris Ojekpong, commended Lafarge Africa for its unwavering dedication to
community development over the past 16 years. “Over the years, Lafarge, an
outstanding beacon of commitment to sustainable and impactful community
development has consistently demonstrated its dedication to making a positive
impact beyond its realms of influence and profit making. On behalf of the
government of Cross Rivers State I want to reiterate our dedication to
providing enabling environment for businesses to thrive.”
At the Ewekoro event, Prince Bola
Awesu, an indigene and community leader in Ewekoroalso expressed gratitude for
the transformative projects, emphasizing the lasting positive effects on the
lives of their constituents. "Lafarge Africa has consistently supported
our host communities, meeting our needs over the past 12-15 years. In
healthcare, they provide facilities and initiatives that have benefited our
people, and despite challenging climates, they continue to assist local farmers
with essential farm implements. Years back we were given tractors to work on
our land. Additionally, the company contributes to education through bursaries
and scholarships, which has enabled the less privileged students to complete
their studies. In Ewekoro, Lafarge has built a modern town hall and just
yesterday commissioned the first secondary school in our vicinity.” According
to him, this strategic placement eliminates the need for children in the
community to travel long distances for secondary education, benefiting over 20 primary
schools in the community.
During the events, Lafarge Africa
Plc.'s Managing Directo/CEO, LoluAlade-Akinyemi, delivered a stirring speech
reaffirming the company's dedication to fostering sustainable growth in
Nigeria. “At Lafarge Africa, community engagement isn't just an obligation;
it's a deeply ingrained as one of our values in sustainability. Our annual
Community Day Celebration is a testament to our dedication to giving back and
nurturing sustainable development in the places we call home - Ashaka in Gombe
State, Mfamosing in Cross River State, Sagamu in Ogun State as well as here in
Ewekoro, Ogun State.”
Alade-Akinyemi appreciated
various state governments, traditional rulers, and the Community Relations
Committee for creating an enabling environment for the company's business. He
emphasized the importance of community collaboration and sustainable business
practices, stating that Lafarge Africa remains steadfast in its commitment to
responsible and sustainable business practices in Nigeria. “Our dedication to
the communities we serve will continue to be a driving force behind our
initiatives, ensuring that together, we build not just structures but enduring
legacies of progress and prosperity.”
The transformative projects unveiled during
this celebration are poised to leave a lasting legacy, fostering community
development and reinforcing the company's commitment to sustainable business
practices in Nigeria.
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