Lafarge Africa recently held a summit in Lagos, themed “Sustainable Business, Innovating with Excellence,” gathering key stakeholders including customers, suppliers, industry experts, and partners to discuss sustainability, innovation, and strategies for excellence.
The event underscored Lafarge Africa’s dedication to fostering innovation and promoting sustainability within the industry. It featured insightful panel discussions, networking opportunities, and interactive sessions focusing on crucial topics such as innovation, efficiency, technology, and collaborative partnerships.
Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation:
Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, GMD/CEO of Lafarge Africa, highlighted the significance of sustainability and innovation in shaping the future of business and the industry. He remarked, “At Lafarge Africa, we believe that sustainability is not just a goal but a way of doing business. It is about finding innovative solutions that minimize our environmental impact while maximizing value for our stakeholders. But innovation is not a solitary endeavor; it requires collaboration, creativity, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. That is why we are here today, to explore new ideas, share best practices, and strengthen our collaboration.”
Role of Procurement in Sustainability:
Saeed Ande, the procurement director and host of the summit, welcomed attendees and emphasized the critical role of procurement in driving sustainable practices. He stated, “I understand the critical role that our suppliers play in our success. You are not just suppliers; you are our partners in growth, our allies in sustainability, and our collaborators in innovation.”
Keynote on Sustainable Supply:
Mrs. Marylyn Obaisa-Osula, head of ESG| Sustainability & Climate Change at PwC Nigeria, delivered a keynote presentation providing an in-depth overview of sustainable supply, highlighting the role of innovation in this transition.
Panel Discussion on Sustainability:
A major highlight of the summit was the panel discussion on sustainability in business, featuring industry experts including Dr. Olukola Dawodu, Assistant Director at SMEDAN, represented by Mr. Leke Babalola, Chief Enterprise Officer at SMEDAN; Patrick Eneh, Head of Acquisition & Specialized Sectors at Stanbic IBTC; Vishant Dalamal, MD/CEO of MDV Limited; Mrs. Temilola Abdul, Manager for Governance, Risk and Compliance at PwC Nigeria; and Anuoluwapo Gbadegesin from Legal & Compliance at Lafarge Africa as the moderator.
The panelists stressed the critical need for sustainable practices in business operations to ensure long-term environmental and economic health. They encouraged partnerships between suppliers, customers, and industry leaders to share best practices and drive collective success.
The summit successfully highlighted Lafarge Africa’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, and the discussions paved the way for enhanced collaboration and the adoption of best practices within the industry.
