Lafarge Africa: Fostering Economic Stability and Empowering Youths in Ewekoro

By Bennett Oghifo 

In the vibrant community of Ewekoro, in Ogun State, Lafarge Africa stands out for more than just its industrial presence. The company’s impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives have become a beacon of positive change, highlighting Lafarge’s unwavering commitment to enriching the local community through sustainable development efforts.

The collaborative efforts between Lafarge and the Ewekoro community have emerged as a powerful force for positive change, significantly contributing to economic stability and providing numerous opportunities for the youth within the community. 

Lafarge Africa’s commitment to its host community of Ewekoro has not only fostered stability but has also laid the foundation for sustainable growth. The positive impact of this partnership is evident in the various developmental projects and support for the local community.  

One of the cornerstone pillars of Lafarge’s CSR initiatives in Ewekoro is education. The company’s comprehensive approach extends from providing grants and scholarships to supporting infrastructure development in local schools. As a result, there has been a visible improvement in access to quality education, with more children gaining the opportunity to learn and develop their potential.

In total, the building solutions company invested over N20million in supporting the Ewekoro communities in 2022 alone, a testament of its unwavering commitment to creating shared valued with the people. 

Confirming the educational interventions extended to the communities, Mr. Tajudeen Akintokun a resident of one of the host communities in Ewekoro, Ogun State, noted: “We can’t thank Lafarge Africa enough, if we count all they have been doing for us in education in the last 15 years, you will know that they have saved lots of pupils and students from being dropouts. Apart from what Lafarge is doing for our pupils at the primary schools, we asked them for classrooms in one of our secondary schools here in Ewekoro and they are already constructing the classrooms for us.”

Lafarge’s commitment to the health and safety of the community is evident in the various healthcare initiatives it has spearheaded. Accessible healthcare facilities, regular medical outreaches, and awareness programs have collectively contributed to an improvement in the overall health of residents. The impact is not only measured in terms of physical well- being but also in the sense of security and assurance that the community now feels.

Some of the healthcare initiatives executed in 2022 include the newly constructed fence for the Health Centre at Olujobi community, the newly constructed 14-bed Health Centre at Papalanto, the Donation of medical equipment to the Health Centre at Wasinmi Alafia, newly constructed Staff Quarters for the Health Centre at Elebute. 

Empowering the local population with essential skills has been a key focus for Lafarge. The company’s CSR programs in Ewekoro include vocational training, business skills workshops, and the distribution of start-up kits. These initiatives have empowered individuals to create sustainable livelihoods, fostering a sense of self-reliance and entrepreneurship within the community.

Corroborating Lafarge Africa’s stance on skills acquisition and youth empowerment in the Ewekoro community, some trainees, who cut across skills acquisition and vocational training programs, agreed that Lafarge Africa PLC has impacted the host community positively and many youths have been gainfully employed in addition to several job opportunities being created. 

Tosin Akinbobola, a pioneer trainee of the Cement Professional Technician Program (CPTP), commended Lafarge Africa for changing his life for the better with the CPTP scheme, which he said has made it possible for him to become the breadwinner of his nuclear and extended families. “I was lucky to be one of the first set of Cement Professional Technician Program at Ewekoro under the late Dr Agbede. We went through a rigorous and intensive class which made me stand out in my previous place of internship. Today, I am back at Ewekoro and I am enjoying the quality of my job and contribution coming from me to Lafarge Africa’s Cement Plant.” 

Also, Gbemisola Olukemi, a hairdresser from Papalanto, narrated her experience as a hairdressing trainee with Lafarge Africa, who received start-up tools such as a hair dryer and other tools with a furnished shop, saying: “I thank Lafarge Africa’s Committee on Ewekoro Development for the provision of a hair dryer and other start-up tools. I couldn’t buy them if not for Lafarge Africa Plc.”

Beyond the confines of its industrial operations, Lafarge has invested significantly in infrastructure development in Ewekoro. From road repairs to community facilities, these projects have not only enhanced the overall quality of life but have also contributed to a sense of pride and ownership among the residents. 

Acknowledging the impact of its operations on the local agricultural economy, Lafarge initiated the “Farmers Support Scheme.” This program goes beyond mere compensation, offering training on modern farming techniques and supplying essential tools. The goal is to not only mitigate the negative effects but also to actively contribute to the improvement and sustainability of local agriculture. 

A distinguishing feature of Lafarge’s CSR activities in Ewekoro is the emphasis on community engagement. Through the establishment of Community Relations Committees (CRCs) and regular dialogues, the company ensures that its initiatives align with the actual needs and aspirations of the residents. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of partnership, ensuring that the community actively participates in the decision-making processes that impact them.

Lafarge’s CSR activities illustrate a positive transformation, echoed by the community’s reflections. Conversations with local residents reveal a genuine appreciation for the visible improvements resulting from Lafarge’s initiatives. While challenges persist, they emphasize the importance of ongoing transparent communication and collaborative efforts for sustained progress.

Lafarge Africa’s CSR initiatives in Ewekoro go beyond the conventional expectations of a corporate entity operating in a community. The multifaceted approach, encompassing education, health, empowerment, infrastructure, and agriculture, reflects a commitment to holistic and sustainable development. 

As Ewekoro continues to evolve, the impact of Lafarge’s CSR activities serves as a testament to the potential for positive change when industry and community collaborate with a shared vision for growth and well-being.