Lafarge Africa Plc, a company specializing in building solutions, has announced the graduation of 100 women from its BuildHer by Lafarge 2025 training program for female tilers and block layers across Nigeria. The initiative forms part of its wider corporate social responsibility efforts to empower women from underserved communities with technical, business, and financial skills, helping to boost their participation in the construction industry.
Expanding on its previous edition which produced 40 graduates, this year’s initiative trained 100 women over an eight-week period. The participants gained practical experience in tiling and block laying, working with Lafarge Africa’s flagship products, Supafix and Supaset.The initiative took place in three states—Lagos, Ogun, and Cross River—and was delivered in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and the Cross River State Ministry of Women Affairs.
Lafarge Africa stated that the initiative highlights its dedication to fostering diversity, inclusion, and gender equality in Nigeria’s construction industry. During the event, the Head of Sustainability and Sponsorships at Lafarge Africa Plc, Gabriel Pollyn, applauded the participants for their commitment, discipline, and their ability to juggle personal responsibilities with the training. He said it was structured to extend beyond technical skills, helping women gain the confidence and access to resources required to secure sustainable livelihoods and pursue business opportunities within the construction value chain.
Government officials and industry association leaders present at the graduation ceremony applauded Lafarge Africa for its contribution to women’s empowerment and its support for sustainable economic growth across Nigeria.
In her speech, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Oluwatoyin Oke-Osanyintolu, highlighted that initiatives like BuildHer are key to creating more economic opportunities for women and motivating them to consider rewarding careers in the construction industry.
Similarly, at the Abeokuta graduation ceremony, Kehinde Idowu, Director of Administration and Supply at the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, encouraged the graduates to make full use of their skills, remain resilient when facing challenges, and continue supporting one another as they progress professionally.
Several graduates expressed their gratitude to Lafarge Africa for the opportunity, sharing personal stories of growth and empowerment. One participant, Madumezia Motunrayo, described the programme as transformative, equipping her with practical skills and renewed confidence to pursue opportunities in the construction industry.
Upon graduation, participants were automatically enrolled in the Block Makers and Tilers Association of Nigeria, providing access to a professional network to support their entry into the workforce. Each graduate also received a certificate and essential tools, including cutters and other equipment, to help them start their careers.
