Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading building materials company, recently hosted its 2024 Customer and Transporter Awards, a grand celebration designed to recognize the outstanding contributions of its top-performing partners. Themed “Growing Beyond Limits,” the event, held in Lagos, served as a testament to the company’s dedication to fostering strong relationships, driving innovation, and achieving mutual success within the construction industry. It provided a platform to acknowledge the pivotal role played by customers and transporters in Lafarge Africa’s continued growth, particularly amidst prevailing economic headwinds. The awards ceremony not only showcased individual achievements but also reinforced the company’s commitment to collaborative growth and sustainable practices.
The event commenced with a welcoming address by Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge Africa. He expressed profound gratitude to the partners for their unwavering commitment and resilience, emphasizing their crucial role in navigating the challenging economic landscape. Alade-Akinyemi characterized the awards as a unique avenue for celebrating excellence and honoring those who contribute significantly to Lafarge Africa’s progress. This sentiment was echoed by Gbenga Onimowo, the Commercial Director, who lauded the trade partners as “champions in trade,” underscoring their pivotal role in driving shared growth and solidifying a mutually beneficial relationship built on trust and shared values. Osaze Aghatise, the Logistics Director, further emphasized the invaluable contribution of the transporters, praising their unwavering dedication to ensuring the seamless distribution of Lafarge’s innovative product range across the nation.
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the presentation of awards to the top-performing partners. Etim Okon of Batoframoj E. Enterprises emerged as the National Volume Champion, a prestigious title accompanied by a brand-new 2025 Toyota Prado. This award recognized Okon’s significant contribution to Lafarge Africa’s sales volume, highlighting his consistent performance and dedication. The first runner-up, Igwe Ezeumeh Cosmas Chizoba of C.C. Umeh & Sons Ltd, received a 2025 Toyota Fortuner, while the second runner-up, Elder Ubong Obot of Ubotex Nig. Ltd, was awarded a 2025 Toyota RAV4. These awards reflected the substantial contributions made by these partners in driving sales and strengthening Lafarge Africa’s market presence.
The recognition extended beyond the top three performers, encompassing a wider range of partners who had demonstrably contributed to Lafarge Africa’s success. Notable winners included Prince Sunny Nwodo of Global SNCO (WA) Ltd, Emeka Umeoduagu of U. Mekason Trading Stores, and Oduwole Aderonke of Vicross Enterprises, all acknowledged for their remarkable national volume achievements. These awards celebrated their consistent dedication and impactful contributions to Lafarge’s sales growth. In the transporter category, Olayiwola Kazeem of Kaysky Nigeria Limited was crowned Best Overall Transporter of the Year, a testament to his exemplary service and commitment to efficient logistics. Regional Transporter awards were presented to Julius Ben Construction for the East and Abdlas Logistics Nigeria Limited for the West, recognizing their regional expertise and effective distribution networks.
The lavish awards ceremony went beyond the presentation of vehicles, extending to a wide array of gifts designed to appreciate the partners’ dedication and loyalty. These included 2025 Hyundai SUVs, generators, cement, and mortar, all of which served to further underscore Lafarge Africa’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding outstanding performance. The gifts symbolized the company’s appreciation for the partners’ hard work and dedication, contributing to a stronger and more rewarding partnership.
The acceptance speeches delivered by the award recipients were filled with gratitude and pride, reflecting the mutual respect and appreciation that characterizes the relationship between Lafarge Africa and its partners. Etim Okon, the National Volume Champion, expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the award as a validation of the tireless efforts he and his team invest daily. He expressed pride in being a part of Lafarge’s journey, highlighting the collaborative nature of their partnership. Similarly, Olayiwola Kazeem, the Best Overall Transporter of the Year, conveyed his appreciation for the recognition, noting that the award serves as a powerful motivator to continually strive for excellence in logistics. These heartfelt expressions of gratitude underscored the strong bond between Lafarge Africa and its partners, emphasizing the shared vision and commitment to mutual growth.
The 2024 Customer and Transporter Awards served as a powerful demonstration of Lafarge Africa’s unwavering commitment to recognizing and rewarding loyalty, excellence, and partnership. The event highlighted the company’s dedication to fostering a collaborative environment where partners are valued and celebrated for their contributions. By acknowledging and rewarding the hard work and dedication of its customers and transporters, Lafarge Africa reinforces its position as a leader in the building materials industry, committed to sustainable construction solutions and long-term partnerships. The event not only celebrated past achievements but also set the stage for continued growth and mutual success in the years to come, solidifying Lafarge Africa’s position as a collaborative and forward-thinking industry leader.
