Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading cement manufacturer, has reaffirmed its commitment to gender diversity and empowerment through its groundbreaking “Women on Wheels” training program. This initiative aims to equip women with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the male-dominated trucking industry, ultimately addressing driver shortages and promoting inclusivity within the logistics sector. The recent graduation ceremony in Calabar, Cross River State, marked a significant milestone as 30 more female truck drivers joined the ranks of program alumni, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 103 since the program’s inception in 2019. This achievement underscores Lafarge Africa’s dedication to fostering a more equitable and inclusive workforce while simultaneously enhancing its operational efficiency. The program represents a powerful example of how corporate social responsibility can intersect with business objectives, driving positive change within the industry and the broader community.
The graduation ceremony itself served as a testament to the program’s success and its growing impact. The event brought together a diverse assembly of stakeholders, including government officials, industry regulators, community leaders, and Lafarge representatives. Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge Africa, hailed the initiative as a “game-changer” in Nigeria’s transportation sector. He emphasized the company’s unwavering commitment to empowering women and ensuring stakeholder safety, highlighting the dual benefits of the program: addressing critical driver shortages while simultaneously promoting gender diversity. Alade-Akinyemi further reiterated Lafarge’s dedication to expanding the program, citing previous successes with graduates from the Mfamosing and Ewekoro operations as motivation for continued investment. This sustained commitment reflects the company’s belief in the long-term value of investing in female talent within the logistics sector.
The remarkable performance of past graduates has fueled Lafarge’s resolve to deepen its investment in the “Women on Wheels” program. Osazemen Aghatise, Logistics Director at Lafarge Africa, highlighted the graduates’ success as a driving force behind the program’s expansion. This positive feedback loop, where the achievements of previous participants inspire further investment, underscores the program’s efficacy and its potential for long-term sustainability. Aghatise emphasized the program’s multifaceted benefits, including enhanced safety, improved efficiency, and increased gender equality within the company’s logistics operations. These outcomes demonstrate the program’s potential to serve as a model for other organizations seeking to promote diversity and inclusion within their workforces.
Beyond the immediate benefits to Lafarge Africa, the “Women on Wheels” program has also garnered significant support and recognition from government and community stakeholders. Edema Irom, Commissioner for Women Affairs, praised the program’s contribution to the advancement of women in Cross River State and encouraged the graduates to serve as role models for aspiring young girls. This recognition highlights the program’s broader societal impact, empowering women not only economically but also socially, by challenging traditional gender roles and inspiring future generations. The presence of other dignitaries, including the Commissioner for Transportation, the Commissioner for Solid Minerals, and the Chairman of Akampa Local Government, further underscored the program’s significance and its alignment with broader development goals.
Nzom Gertrude, the best graduating student, expressed gratitude to Lafarge Africa for providing her and her colleagues with the opportunity to excel in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her testimony speaks to the transformative power of the program, enabling women to overcome societal barriers and achieve their full potential. Gertrude’s success, and the collective achievement of the graduating class, serves as a powerful counter-narrative to prevailing gender stereotypes, demonstrating that women are equally capable of thriving in demanding and physically challenging professions. Furthermore, her words of encouragement resonated with the spirit of empowerment that the “Women on Wheels” program embodies, urging women to defy expectations and pursue their dreams relentlessly.
The “Women on Wheels” program comprises a comprehensive curriculum that equips participants with the essential skills and knowledge to succeed in the haulage sector. The training encompasses road safety awareness, technical proficiency, and defensive driving techniques, ensuring that graduates possess the necessary competencies to navigate the challenges of the road safely and efficiently. This rigorous training program not only prepares women for successful careers as truck drivers but also contributes to a safer and more professional transportation industry. By investing in high-quality training, Lafarge Africa demonstrates its commitment to setting industry benchmarks and promoting best practices in road safety and driver professionalism. The graduates are now equipped to embark on fulfilling careers, contributing to both the company’s success and the overall development of the Nigerian transport sector. The “Women on Wheels” program stands as a symbol of empowerment, embodying Lafarge Africa’s dedication to promoting gender equality and driving positive change within the industry and beyond, transforming lives and paving the way for a more inclusive future.
