Ogun State Government in conjunction with Nigeria's Cement giant, Lafarge Africa PLC has formally graduated set of female trained tilers and bricklayers in an empowerment programme designed to bridge the gender gap in the construction sector.
The initiative is part of steps being taken by the Prince Dapo Abiodun's administration to expand economic opportunities for women and liberate them economically in the state
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Folusho Obienu, in her Keynote address at the Larfarge Female tilers and bricklayers training centre, Asero, Abeokuta, noted that the training initiative, underscored the growing role of public-private collaboration in addressing unemployment and gender disparity.
According to her, 'the programme combined technical instruction with hands-on experience, ensuring participants gained both competence and confidence required to thrive in the construction industry while highlighting the resilience of the beneficiaries,’’ she said.
Obienu urged the gradaunts to see themselves as innovators and change-makers, capable of influencing not only their immediate environment, but also inspiring other women and girls to pursue unconventional career paths, charging the newly trained artisans to remain committed to continuous learning, professionalism and excellence, while maintaining humility despite their achievements.
She encouraged them to apply their knowledge to solve real world problems, contribute meaningfully to their communities and uphold standards that would distinguish them in the labour market.
In his remarks, the sustainability Manager, Lafarge Africa, Mr. Gabriel Pollyn, said the training was targeted to boost women’s participation in construction, designed to challenge long-standing gender barriers and create sustainable economic opportunities.
He added that, the programme integrated mentorship, business management training and hands-on experience to prepare participants for real-world demands, describing it as a two-in-one opportunity that not only equip women with practical construction skills, but also position them to build viable careers and contribute meaningfully to the industry, in line with global development priorities.
Pollyn, also added that plans are underway to establish a comprehensive database that would link trained participants with job placements, internships and future projects, emphasising that the training marked only the beginning of a broader journey, urging beneficiaries to continue developing their skills while the programme expands its reach to bridge gender gaps and deepen inclusion across the construction industry.
Also speaking, Lafarge Consultant, Mr. Folarin Quadri, appreciated the trainees for their dedication, readiness to learn and team spirit during the training programme, admonishing them to be time conscious in the discharge of their duties.
On behalf of the gradaunts, the duo of Olakunke Abosede and Idowu Omowunmi, appreciated Lafarge and the State Government for creating an enabling environment for them to learn what the society tagged as men dominated area to be extended to them, saying it would serve as a means of livelihood in order to make them self-reliant and independently minded.
The graduation ceremony also featured presentation of awards, tools and commissioning of practical project by the trainees.
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