Lafarge Africa Marks IDPD 2025, Showcases Impact of Disability-to-Ability Empowerment Programme
Lafarge Africa Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusion and economic empowerment as it marked the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities by celebrating participants of its Disability-to-Ability (D2A) Programme.
The event, held on Thursday, December 4, brought together beneficiaries, government partners, and disability advocates—including Chess in Slums Africa founder and Guinness World Record holder, Tunde Onakoya.
The D2A Programme, themed “Ability Reimagined,” is designed to equip 100 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) with vocational and entrepreneurial skills.
Beneficiaries are receiving intensive training in laptop and phone repairs, make-up and gele, wig and braids making, as well as shoe and bag production.
The initiative is implemented across two hubs in Ikeja and Ikorodu to ensure inclusivity and ease of access.
Speaking at the event, Viola Graham-Douglas, Director of Communications, Public Affairs & Sustainable Development at Lafarge Africa Plc, described the initiative as an extension of the company’s long-standing commitment to building resilient communities.
“We don’t just produce building solutions; we build society, homes, and empower people to be the best they can be,” she said. Graham-Douglas added that the programme goes beyond vocational training, offering entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and mentorship support through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF).
Guest speaker and programme partner, Tunde Onakoya, inspired participants with his personal story of overcoming challenges through chess and education.
He urged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the training and to use their skills to create meaningful opportunities for themselves and others.
The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund’s Executive Secretary/CEO, Mrs. Feyisayo Alayande, was present to lead a speed mentoring session, while the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) reaffirmed the need for sustained collaboration in promoting inclusion.
Representing LASODA’s General Manager, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, Dr. Adekola Oluwafunmilayo applauded Lafarge and LSETF for equipping beneficiaries with tools and business registration support. “This kind of thoughtful empowerment truly transforms lives,” she noted.
With over 100 beneficiaries empowered through the initiative, Lafarge Africa says it intends to deepen its investments in programmes that drive self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable groups.
Lafarge Africa Plc, a member of Huaxin Cement Co. Ltd., is one of Nigeria’s leading building solutions companies with operations across multiple regions.
The company provides innovative cement and construction solutions and maintains a strong presence in Lagos, Ogun, Gombe, Cross River, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.
Huaxin, established in 1907, is one of the world’s top 10 cement manufacturers with diversified operations in cement, aggregates, ready-mix concrete, waste management, and proprietary equipment manufacturing.
