Abiodun Taiwo, Abeokuta
Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading provider of innovative and sustainable building solutions, has rolled out the 2025 edition of its flagship women’s empowerment programme, “BuildHer by Lafarge”, aimed at boosting female participation in the construction industry.
The initiative, targeted at women from low-income communities in Lagos, Ogun, and Cross River states, will provide technical, entrepreneurial, and financial training to help participants secure sustainable livelihoods in trades traditionally dominated by men.
This year’s programme is being implemented in partnership with state government agencies.
In Lagos, it is supported by the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, led by Commissioner Mobolaji Ogunlende, and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), headed by Executive Secretary Feyisayo Alayande. In Ogun State, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, under Commissioner Adijat Motunrayo Adeleye-Oladapo, is collaborating with Lafarge.
In Cross River, the Ministry of Women Affairs, led by Commissioner Edema Irom, is a key partner.
One hundred women will benefit from the eight-week intensive training, which combines hands-on experience in tiling and block-laying, using Lafarge’s Supafix and SupaSet products, with classes in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and mentoring.
To ensure inclusivity, participants will receive transportation support, meals, and access to crèche facilities for nursing mothers.
Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, Group Managing Director/CEO of Lafarge Africa, described the programme as part of the company’s long-term commitment to women’s empowerment.
“At Lafarge Africa, we are intentional about creating opportunities for women to thrive in construction. Beyond technical skills, this programme enhances their economic independence while enabling them to contribute to community and national development,” he said.
Highlighting the programme’s growth since its inception in 2022, Viola Graham-Douglas, Director of Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainable Development at Lafarge Africa, noted that more than 60 women have already been trained.
“This year’s edition is bigger and better. We are nurturing the next generation of women in construction, and graduates will be recognized by technical institutions and professional trade associations, giving them a competitive edge in the job market,” she explained.
Graduates will also receive start-up toolkits, with the top ten performers earning special recognition for excellence.
In addition, Lafarge will inaugurate a BuildHer Alumni Network to provide ongoing mentorship and visibility, alongside a “Train the Trainers” scheme to expand the programme’s impact across more communities in the coming years
