Lafarge Africa Plc, a building solutions provider, has announced the successful graduation of 100 women through its BuildHer by Lafarge 2025 Female Tilers and Block Laying Training initiative across Nigeria.
A statement from the firm on Sunday stated that the training initiative is part of Lafarge Africa’s broader corporate social responsibility efforts aimed at equipping women from underserved communities with technical, entrepreneurial, and financial skills to increase female participation in the construction sector.
Building on the previous edition, which had 40 graduates, this edition trained 100 women over eight weeks. Participants received hands-on instruction in tiling and block laying using Lafarge Africa’s flagship products, Supafix and Supaset.
The programme spanned three states—Lagos, Ogun, and Cross River—and was implemented 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 described the programme as a testament to its commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and gender equality in Nigeria’s building and construction industry. BuildHer by Lafarge was created to empower women with skills that drive self-reliance and economic independence while addressing the broader need for gender balance in skilled trades.
Speaking at the event, Head of Sustainability and Sponsorships at Lafarge Africa Plc, Gabriel Pollyn, commended the women for their dedication, discipline, and ability to balance personal responsibilities with the training. He said:
“At Lafarge Africa, we believe that empowering women is key to building stronger communities and a more inclusive future. Through this initiative, we are not just training women in technical skills; we are investing in their confidence, capability, and long-term growth. These 100 women represent the next generation of builders, entrepreneurs, and leaders who will redefine what it means to work in the construction industry.”
Pollyn added that the programme was designed not only to provide technical training but also to empower women with the confidence and resources needed to pursue sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurial opportunities within the construction value chain.
He encouraged the graduates, saying, “This training is a demonstration of our commitment to bridging the gender gap in our industry. It is a major starting point for you, and we strongly believe that you will continue to inspire other women who look up to you.”
Government officials and industry association leaders who attended the graduation ceremony commended Lafarge Africa for its role in empowering women and promoting sustainable economic growth across Nigeria.
In her address, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Oluwatoyin Oke-Osanyintolu, said initiatives such as BuildHer play a vital role in expanding economic opportunities for women while encouraging them to explore viable careers within the construction sector.
Similarly, during the graduation ceremony in Abeokuta, Director of Administration and Supply at the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Kehinde Idowu, urged the graduands to leverage their knowledge, remain resilient in the face of challenges, and continue to support one another as they grow professionally.
Some graduands expressed gratitude to Lafarge Africa for the opportunity, sharing personal stories of empowerment and transformation. One student, Madumezia Motunrayo, described the programme as a life-changing experience that equipped her with practical skills and renewed confidence to pursue opportunities in the construction sector.
Upon graduation, participants were automatically enrolled in the Block Makers and Tilers Association of Nigeria, giving them access to a professional network to support their entry into the workforce. Each graduate also received a certificate and essential working tools, including cutters and other equipment, to help them kickstart their professional journey.
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