Lafarge Africa Plc has reinforced its commitment to women’s empowerment in the construction sector with the launch of its 2025 Female Tilers and Block Laying Training, branded BuildHer by Lafarge. The initiative aims to equip women from low-income communities in Lagos, Ogun, and Cross River states with technical, entrepreneurial, and financial skills to build sustainable livelihoods in traditionally male-dominated professions.
The programme, implemented in partnership with state government agencies, targets 100 women nationwide. In Lagos, it is supported by the Ministry of Youth and Social Development and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund. Ogun State’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and Cross River State’s Ministry of Women Affairs also back the initiative.
The eight-week training combines hands-on experience in tiling and block-laying using Lafarge Africa’s Supafix and SupaSet products with entrepreneurship, mentoring, and financial literacy sessions. Participants, aged 20 to 45, will also receive transportation, meals, and access to a creche service for nursing mothers, ensuring they can fully engage in the programme.
Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, Group Managing Director/CEO of Lafarge Africa, highlighted the programme’s transformative potential. “With our female tilers and block-laying training program, we are opening doors for women to participate meaningfully in the construction industry while improving their economic independence,” he said.
Viola Graham-Douglas, Director of Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainable Development, noted that the initiative balances technical training with broader empowerment. “Since 2022, we have trained more than 60 women, and this year’s edition is bigger and better. Graduates will receive certificates endorsed by Lafarge Africa and technical institutions, and will be formally integrated into the Block Makers and Tilers Association of Nigeria, opening access to job opportunities,” she explained.
To ensure sustainability, every graduate will receive start-up tools, while the top ten participants will be recognized for outstanding performance. Beyond training, Lafarge Africa plans to launch a BuildHer Alumni Network for continued mentorship and collaboration, alongside a Train the Trainers initiative to expand the programme’s reach in future years.
