Recently, Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading manufacturer of cement, ready-mix, mortar, and Plaster of Paris products, celebrated the graduation of 15 female truck drivers alongside five community drivers under its flagship Women on Wheels initiative.
Their graduation ceremony was held at the company’s Ashaka Cement Plant in Gombe State, where they acquired the skills and competencies needed to operate heavy-duty vehicles efficiently in line with industry best practices.
Beyond addressing driver shortages, the initiative is strengthening road safety standards and setting new benchmarks for diversity and inclusion within Nigeria’s construction logistics sector.
Delivering the keynote address, the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Mannasseh Jatau, commended the company for its sustained commitment to community empowerment.
He noted that the program demonstrates a practical approach to tackling societal challenges by creating opportunities for young women.
In his opening remarks, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge Africa Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, described the graduation as a defining moment that reflects progress, hope, and the evolving future of Nigeria’s construction and logistics landscape.
He said the initiative is redefining the logistics value chain by challenging stereotypes and proving that excellence knows no gender.
Also speaking, the company’s Logistics Director, Osazemen Aghatise, said the Women on Wheels initiative has opened new pathways by creating access and reinforcing that competence is not defined by gender.
He urged the graduates to uphold discipline, professionalism, and safety.
He added that the female drivers now join a growing community of over 100 women currently working as drivers within the company, noting that the initiative is being expanded across locations from Ewekoro to Calabar and now Ashaka.
The Managing Director of Ashaka Cement Limited, Ibrahim Aminu, described the graduation as a significant milestone for both the company and Nigeria’s North East region.
He said integrating the new drivers into operations would help address shortages and improve logistics efficiency.
Aminu also highlighted that the graduates completed a rigorous six-month training program at the Lafarge Drivers Institute, where they were trained in advanced vehicle handling, defensive driving, fuel efficiency, safe driving methods, customer service, and simulation-based exercises.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating cohort, the best graduating driver, Judith Baka, expressed appreciation for the opportunity, noting that the program has positioned her to achieve her aspirations.
Dignitaries at the event included the Emir of Funakaye, Yakubu Kwairanga, and the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Gombe Command, Samson Kaura, among other government officials.
Since its inception in 2019, Lafarge Africa Plc has trained over 100 female truck drivers and remains committed to promoting inclusivity and sustainable impact across Nigeria’s construction industry.
