Lafarge Africa Plc has trained and graduated 100 women across Nigeria in tiling and block laying under its BuildHer 2025 initiative, equipping them with technical and entrepreneurial skills aimed at boosting female participation in the construction sector.
The company disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, noting that the programme forms part of its broader corporate social responsibility efforts focused on empowering women from underserved communities. The initiative is designed to provide practical skills, financial knowledge, and business insight that can help participants build sustainable livelihoods within the construction value chain.
The 2025 edition marks a significant expansion of the programme, increasing participation from 40 women in the previous cycle to 100 graduates. Over an intensive eight-week training period, the women received hands-on instruction in tiling and block laying, using Lafarge Africa’s products such as Supafix and Supaset.
The training was conducted across three states—Lagos, Ogun, and Cross River—in collaboration with key government institutions, including the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and the Cross River State Ministry of Women Affairs.
Lafarge Africa described the initiative as a clear demonstration of its commitment to promoting gender inclusion and diversity in Nigeria’s construction industry, a sector traditionally dominated by men. According to the company, BuildHer was specifically created to address this imbalance by giving women the tools and confidence needed to thrive in skilled trades.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, the Head of Sustainability and Sponsorships at Lafarge Africa Plc, Gabriel Pollyn, highlighted the broader impact of the programme beyond technical training.
“At Lafarge Africa, we believe that empowering women is key to building stronger communities and a more inclusive future. Through this initiative, we are not just training women in technical skills; we are investing in their confidence, capability, and long-term growth,” he said.
Pollyn further emphasised that the graduates represent a new wave of professionals who are set to challenge stereotypes within the industry.
“These 100 women represent the next generation of builders, entrepreneurs, and leaders who will redefine what it means to work in the construction industry,” he added.
He explained that the BuildHer initiative was carefully structured to combine practical skills with entrepreneurial development, ensuring that participants are not only employable but also capable of starting and managing their own businesses.
“This training is a demonstration of our commitment to bridging the gender gap in our industry. It is a major starting point for you, and we strongly believe that you will continue to inspire other women who look up to you,” Pollyn told the graduands.
Government officials present at the event also commended the initiative, noting its potential to expand economic opportunities for women. The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Oluwatoyin Oke-Osanyintolu, stated that such programmes play a crucial role in encouraging women to explore viable and often overlooked career paths.
Similarly, in Ogun State, the Director of Administration and Supply at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Kehinde Idowu, urged the participants to remain resilient and make effective use of the skills acquired.
Participants of the programme shared personal experiences, describing the training as transformative. One of the graduates, Madumezia Motunrayo, said the initiative had a profound impact on her confidence and career outlook.
The programme also provides a pathway into the professional community, as all graduates were automatically enrolled in the Block Makers and Tilers Association of Nigeria. In addition, they received certificates and essential working tools to support their immediate entry into the workforce.
Through the BuildHer 2025 initiative, Lafarge Africa Plc continues to position itself as a key driver of inclusive growth, using skills development as a tool to open up the construction sector to more women across the country.
