Lafarge Africa Plc, a prominent provider of innovative building solutions and a cement manufacturer, has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing gender inclusion and sustainable development during its International Women’s Day 2026 event. The gathering was driven by the theme "The Give to Gain Blueprint: Investing in Women to Build Sustainable Impact."
The event was held at The Hall Events Centre, where female professionals, industry leaders, and company stakeholders came together for fruitful discussions regarding economic inclusion, workplace equity, and the significant role of women in fostering sustainable progress across different industries and communities.
Viola Graham-Douglas, the Director of Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainable Development at Lafarge Africa, highlighted during her speech that investing in women is not only a social responsibility but also a critical business strategy. She stated, "Creating an empowering environment for women enhances innovation, strengthens operational success, and improves long-term resilience."
Furthermore, during the keynote address, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Deputy Governor of Ogun State, shared insights from her journey in transitioning from engineering to public leadership, emphasizing how her technical background informs her governance approach and problem-solving abilities. She recalled critical moments of challenge throughout her career, encouraging women to perceive setbacks as valuable opportunities to grow and learn, while also stressing the necessity of balancing professional ambitions with personal responsibilities.
Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge Africa, expressed that the company's celebration of International Women’s Day exemplifies its ongoing commitment to gender equality. He remarked, "This year’s theme encapsulates our transition from celebration to proactive measures," and outlined initiatives like the Green Women’s Network, the Female Tilers and Block Laying Training Programme, and Women on Wheels, which aim to increase economic opportunities for women within the construction sector.
The proceedings featured a panel discussion, moderated by Ronke Akpata, Head of Human Resources at Lafarge Africa, with distinguished members including Oyinkan Adewale, Independent Non-Executive Director; Feyisayo Alayande, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund; acclaimed actress Shaffy Bello; Sola Adesakin, Founder of Smart Stewards Financial Advisory Limited; and Gbemiga Owolabi, Organization and Human Resources Director at Lafarge Africa. They shared strategies for creating inclusive workplaces and bolstering pathways for women's leadership and economic participation.
By hosting this event, Lafarge Africa once again demonstrated its commitment to empowering women to build, develop, and lead for sustainable value creation. The company remains dedicated to championing initiatives that promote gender inclusivity and yield lasting benefits for businesses and society as a whole.
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