LAFARGE Africa Plc has launched a series of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects across its operational hubs in Ashaka, Gombe State, Mfamosing, Cross River State, and Ewekoro, Ogun State.
The projects, which are yearly commitment to sustainable business practices and corporate citizenship, include a cutting-edge school infrastructure project in Lariski, AnguwanKellumi, and JauroMaza in Ashaka, Gombe State.
Additionally, the company opened agricultural ecology projects, including the distribution of 900 bags of Urea/NPK for community farmers, and forged partnership with National Agricultural Extension and Liaison Services (NAERLS), ABU, Zaria, to establish demonstration farms and conduct sensitisation programmes.
Further interventions in Ashaka include solar borehole drilling at Emir of Funakaye’s Palace Bajoga, Wuro Achama, Sharfuri Maternity, and Jalingo Ashaka.
Lafarge Africa also committed to rural and community roads rehabilitation from workers village to Ashaka-Garri and Lariski and Sabon GariMaza, and Pindiga Emir’s palace chamber renovation, as well as clinic conversion to doctors’ quarters, and medical outreach programmes for coal mining communities and Funakaye residents.
In Mfamosing, Cross Rivers State, the company commissioned the solar street lights project at Akwa Ikot Effanga community and Akpabuyo local council, while adopting school projects across host communities’ primary and secondary schools.
Community infrastructure projects involved building a town hall at Mbobui, equipping Kasuk training centre with modern tools for fashion and design training, and providing potable 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 Okeoko Egbado community, replaced a 330KVA transformer at Okeoko Sekoni and Akinbo communities, and trained and equipped 48 individuals from host communities to establish their businesses. The company also built a modern town hall and commissioned the first secondary school in the area, which eliminated the need for children in the community to travel long distances for secondary education.
Speaking at the Mfamosing, the Deputy Governor, 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 an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.”
During the events, Lafarge Africa Plc.’s Managing Director/CEO, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to fostering sustainable growth in the country, said: “Community engagement isn’t just an obligation; it’s a deeply ingrained as one of our values in sustainability. It is a testament to our dedication to giving back and nurturing sustainable development in the places we call home.”
