Lafarge Africa Plc has announced the graduation of 100 women from its BuildHer by Lafarge 2025 Female Tilers and Block Laying Training initiative across Nigeria.
In a statement released on Sunday, the building solutions provider said the programme forms part of its corporate social responsibility efforts aimed at equipping women from underserved communities with technical, entrepreneurial, and financial skills to enhance their participation in the construction industry.
The initiative builds on the previous edition, which graduated 40 women. This year’s programme trained 100 participants over an eight-week period, providing hands-on instruction in tiling and block laying using Lafarge Africa’s flagship products, Supafix and Supaset.
The training was conducted across three states—Lagos State, Ogun State, and Cross River State—in collaboration with key government partners including the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and the Cross River State Ministry of Women Affairs.
According to Lafarge Africa, the BuildHer programme demonstrates its commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and gender equality in Nigeria’s building and construction sector. The initiative was designed to empower women with skills that foster self-reliance and economic independence while addressing the gender imbalance in skilled trades.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Head of Sustainability and Sponsorships at Lafarge Africa, Gabriel Pollyn, praised the participants for their dedication and resilience throughout the 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. 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 said.
Pollyn added that the programme was structured to go beyond technical training by equipping women with the confidence and resources needed to pursue sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurial opportunities within the construction value chain.
He encouraged the graduates to see the programme as a starting point for greater achievements.
“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,” he added.
Government officials and industry association leaders who attended the event commended Lafarge Africa for supporting women’s economic empowerment and sustainable development.
In her remarks, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Oluwatoyin Oke-Osanyintolu, noted that initiatives like BuildHer help expand economic opportunities for women while encouraging them to pursue careers within the construction sector.
Similarly, during the graduation ceremony in Abeokuta, Director of Administration and Supply at the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Kehinde Idowu, urged the graduates to apply their new skills, remain resilient, and support one another as they grow professionally.
Some of the graduates also shared personal stories of transformation and empowerment. One participant, Madumezia Motunrayo, described the training as life-changing, noting that it equipped her with practical skills and renewed confidence to pursue opportunities in the construction sector.
Following the completion of the programme, the graduates were automatically enrolled in the Block Makers and Tilers Association of Nigeria, giving them access to a professional network that will support their entry into the workforce.
Each participant also received a certificate and essential working tools, including cutters and other equipment, to help them begin their professional journey in the construction industry.
