Abiodun Seeks Lafarge, Other Multinationals’ Support to Reconstruct Abeokuta-Ota-Lagos Expressway

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun has called for the support of Lafarge  Cement Company and other multinational companies operating along the Abeokuta-Ota-Lagos Expressway as government makes efforts to reconstruct the ever-busy road.

The governor said reconstructing the road would have multiplier effects on the socio-economic development of the state, while companies who have their base of operations along the route stand to benefit more.

The governor spoke when the management team of Lafarge Africa Plc paid a courtesy visit to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Abiodun regretted the deplorable state of the road, even as he recalled the various palliative interventions by the Ogun State Government to lessen the pains of motorists.

The governor said although Ogun State had secured the permission of the federal government to reconstruct the road, the cost, which was initially put at about N70 billion, would be in the region of N150 billion or more due to high cost of asphalt, diesel and cement as a result of inflation.
He said, “It is important we sit down and identity what portion of the expanse of that road Larfarge and the likes are going to contribute because the truth is that you are one of the biggest contributors to the condition of that road.

“Your trucks are causing damages to the road. They are carrying cement and raw materials, and most of those trucks are even over-capacitating the design of the road.”
Abiodun called on the management of Lafarge to use global best practices in disposing industrial waste in their areas of operation.
Acknowledging the company’s longstanding commitment to the local economy, Abiodun emphasised the crucial role of collaboration with the private sector in addressing the challenges of sustainable economic growth and job creation.

He also commended Lafarge for its impact on industrial activities, providing valuable employment opportunities for residents and fostering skills development.
Lafarge’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, including investments in education, healthcare, and community infrastructure, underscore its dedication to enhancing the quality of life for Ogun State residents, the governor added.

He noted that the collaboration between Lafarge and the Ogun State Government enhanced the resilience of the state during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Responding, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Lafarge, Mr. Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, highlighted the company’s 64-year history of contributing to the economic growth of the Ewekoro axis.

The Lafarge CEO said: “Lafarge is part of the Holcim Group, one of the world’s leading building materials giants. A commitment to the sustainable development of every community and every country in which we operate is fundamental, non-negotiable principle in our business.”

According to Alade-Akinyemi, the company’s commitment to sustainable development is in four pillars – circular economy, climate, energy and people.
He added that Lafarge Africa Plc has played a pivotal role in the state’s economic development, exemplifying a commitment to sustainable growth and community empowerment.

The company’s extensive operations and investments have significantly contributed to job creation and overall economic prosperity, he said.