Lafarge Africa Champions Gender Inclusion at International Women's Day 2026 Event
Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading provider of innovative and sustainable building solutions in Nigeria, has reaffirmed its strong commitment to advancing gender inclusion and sustainable development. The company marked International Women's Day 2026 with a purpose-driven event themed "The Give to Gain Blueprint: Investing in Women to Build Sustainable Impact."
Gathering of Female Professionals and Leaders
Held at The Hall Events Centre, the event brought together female professionals, industry leaders, and internal stakeholders for meaningful dialogue on critical issues. Participants engaged in discussions about economic inclusion, workplace equity, and the transformative role women play in driving sustainable progress across various industries and communities throughout Nigeria.
The gathering featured insightful conversations and a comprehensive panel discussion that explored practical frameworks for strengthening systems that enable women to thrive, lead, and contribute meaningfully to organizational growth and national development.
Strategic Business Priority
Speaking at the event, Viola Graham-Douglas, Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainable Development Director of Lafarge Africa Plc, emphasized that investing in women represents both a social responsibility and a strategic business priority for the organization.
"Investing in women is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic business decision," she stated. "When organizations create an enabling environment where women can contribute meaningfully, it drives innovation, strengthens operational excellence, and enhances long-term corporate resilience."
Keynote Address from Ogun State Deputy Governor
Delivering the keynote address, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Deputy Governor of Ogun State, reflected on her personal journey from engineering into public leadership. She highlighted how her technical background continues to shape her approach to governance, problem-solving, and infrastructure development in her current role.
In a fireside-style conversation, Salako-Oyedele shared insights from pivotal moments of challenge and growth throughout her career. She encouraged women to view setbacks as opportunities for learning and developing greater resilience in their professional journeys.
Speaking on the realities of balancing professional ambition with family life and personal development, she emphasized the importance of managing both professional and personal responsibilities effectively. She noted that priorities often shift with different life stages and encouraged women to approach both aspects of their lives with clarity and intentionality, making thoughtful choices that support both career growth and personal fulfillment.
Corporate Commitment to Equity
Speaking earlier at the event, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge Africa Plc, noted that the company's celebration of International Women's Day reflects its deep commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable future for all employees and stakeholders.
"At Lafarge Africa, celebrating International Women's Day is a deeply ingrained part of our culture, reflecting our commitment to building a more equitable future for women in Nigeria," he explained. "This year's theme underscores our shift beyond celebration to purposeful action that creates meaningful change."
Panel Discussion on Inclusive Workplaces
The event featured a comprehensive panel discussion moderated by Ronke Akpata, Head of Human Resources, Commercial at Lafarge Africa Plc. Distinguished panelists included:
- Oyinkan Adewale, Independent Non-Executive Director, Lafarge Africa Plc
- Feyisayo Alayande, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF)
- Shaffy Bello, Nigerian actress
- Sola Adesakin, Founder, Smart Stewards Financial Advisory Limited
- Gbemiga Owolabi, Organization and Human Resources Director, Lafarge Africa Plc
The panelists shared valuable insights on building inclusive workplaces and strengthening pathways for women's leadership and economic participation across various sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Sustainable Value Creation Through Women's Empowerment
Through its International Women's Day 2026 celebration, Lafarge Africa once again demonstrated its commitment to creating sustainable value by empowering women to build, grow, and lead within their organizations and communities. The company continues to champion initiatives that advance gender inclusion and drive lasting impact for businesses, industries, and society at large throughout Nigeria.
The event served as a powerful platform for sharing best practices, networking among female professionals, and developing actionable strategies to accelerate women's advancement in the workplace and broader economic landscape.
