Lafarge Empowers 52 Youths in Host Communities

Obaji Akpet|17 December 2016

Leading sub-Saharan Africa building materials company, Lafarge Africa Plc, yesterday, in Calabar graduated 52 youths on its first phase of skills acquisition, capacity enhancement and business development programme.

The empowerment programme, which held in partnership with Notragolo Nigeria Limited, Technology Incubation Centre and South –South Entrepreneurship Development Centre (SSDC) drew youths from across ten neighbouring communities of Mfamosing, where Lafarge plant is located including Akansoko, Akwa Ikot Effanga, Abiati, Mbobui, Mfamosing, Ekong Anaku, Diamond, Essien Town, Obutong and Kasuk, all of Cross River State.

The beneficiaries, who were presented with starter parks for their respective vocation at a ceremony held at SSDC, Calabar completed a short term training from period ranging from one to four months in several vocations including paint production, soap making, food and confectionaries; and make-up artistry, welding and fabrication, air conditioner/fridge repair, tailoring and designing, fish farming, aluminum fabrication, tiling, cake and fondant.

Explaining the reason for the initiative, Lafarge’s communication and public affairs director, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medembe told newsmen that the programme was in furtherance of the company’s efforts at contributing to skills development, capacity building and overall economic empowerment of neighbouring communities.

In her words, “Lafarge Africa’s involvement in this programme is in furtherance of our efforts at contributing to the growth of the local economy within the communities, Cross River State and the nation at large.”

“We are glad to support their livelihood while contributing to the growth of the local economy within the communities, Cross River State and the nation at large,” Medembe added.

On his part, Lafarge’s Mfamosing plant Manager, Mr. Thierry Terriere while describing the youths of host communities Lafarge is situated as the future and rightful stakeholders with whom organisations can always partner to build a better society assured the youths of his company’s readiness to continue to its corporate social responsibility to them, even as he urged the youths to make good use of the opportunity to be skilled for their well-being and that of their communities.

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Solid Minerals, Hon. George Oben-Etchi described the gesture as a step in the right direction as doing so with maintain good relationship with host communities and prevent possible rancor between the communities in question and the company.

A cross session of beneficiaries expressed appreciation while promising to make good use of the opportunity the programme availed them.

Highpoints of the event featured presentation of certificates, luncheon of equipment and photography session.

Stakeholders present at the event include Cross River Ministry for Solid Minerals; Cross River State Corporate Social Responsibility Agency, community leaders and beneficiaries of the programme.

Obaji Akpet
Writes from Calabar