Lafarge Africa Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender inclusion and sustainable development as it marked the 2026 International Women’s Day with a high-level forum aimed at empowering women across industries.
The event, themed “The Give to Gain Blueprint: Investing in Women to Build Sustainable Impact,” brought together female professionals, business leaders and stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening economic inclusion and workplace equity.
The gathering, held at The Hall Events Centre, featured a keynote address, panel discussions and interactive sessions focusing on the role of women in driving sustainable progress in business and national development.
Speaking at the event, the Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainable Development Director of Lafarge Africa Plc, Viola Graham-Douglas, said organisations must prioritise investments in women to unlock innovation and long-term growth.
She said, “Investing in women is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic business decision.
When organisations create an enabling environment where women can contribute meaningfully, it drives innovation, strengthens operational excellence and enhances long-term corporate resilience.”
Delivering the keynote address, the Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, reflected on her professional journey from engineering into public leadership, noting that her technical background continues to shape her approach to governance and infrastructure development.
She encouraged women to remain resilient in the face of challenges and view setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning.
Salako-Oyedele also highlighted the importance of balancing professional ambitions with personal responsibilities, advising women to make deliberate choices that support both career advancement and personal fulfilment.
Earlier in his remarks, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge Africa Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, said the company’s celebration of International Women’s Day reflects its commitment to building an inclusive and equitable future.
He noted that the company had moved beyond symbolic celebrations to implementing programmes that create tangible opportunities for women.
According to him, initiatives such as the Green Women’s Network, Female Tilers and Block Laying Training Programme, and Women on Wheels Programme were designed to expand women’s participation and economic opportunities within the construction and building materials sector.
Alade-Akinyemi added that deliberate investments in women would strengthen leadership pipelines and drive sustainable progress.
“By moving beyond rhetoric to tangible action through mentorship, wellness initiatives and career development, we can create meaningful opportunities that empower women and leave a lasting legacy,” he said.
The event also featured a panel discussion moderated by the Head of Human Resources, Commercial, Lafarge Africa Plc, Ronke Akpata.
Panelists included Independent Non-Executive Director of Lafarge Africa Plc, Oyinkan Adewale; Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, Feyisayo Alayande; actress Shaffy Bello; Founder of Smart Stewards Financial Advisory Limited, Sola Adesakin; and Organisation and Human Resources Director of Lafarge Africa Plc, Gbemiga Owolabi.
The panelists shared insights on strengthening inclusive workplaces and creating pathways for women’s leadership and economic participation.
Lafarge Africa noted that the initiative forms part of its broader commitment to promoting gender inclusion and creating sustainable value across communities and industries.
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