By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
LAGOS, Nigeria – Lafarge Africa Plc, a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions, hosted its prestigious 2025 Customer and Transporter Awards last weekend at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island. The gala celebrated the outstanding contributions of trade partners whose dedication bolstered the company’s market leadership over the past year.
The high-profile event drew an influential crowd, including the Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai; the Cross River State Commissioner for Women Affairs; and members of the Lafarge Africa Board, including Mrs. Adenike Ogunlesi, Mrs. Olusola Oworu, and Mrs. Elenda Osima-Dokubo.
According to a statement by Ginikanwa Frank-Durugbor, Head of Corporate Communications, the annual ceremony serves as the pinnacle of Lafarge’s commercial calendar. It recognizes the resilience of partners who navigate evolving economic landscapes to ensure premium cement brands reach every corner of Nigeria.
The evening’s big winner, Elder Ubong Bassey Obot of Ubotex Nigeria Limited, was crowned the National Volume Champion, driving away in a 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser.
Other top honors included: 1st Runner-Up: Igwe Cosmas Ezeumeh Chizoba (C.C. Umeh and Sons Limited) – Awarded a 2026 Toyota Prado. 2nd Runner-Up: Chief Etim Effiong Okon (Batoframoje Enterprises) – Awarded a 2026 Toyota Fortuner, and the National Winner (Best Transporter): B.I.G MultiQuest Nigeria Limited – Awarded a 2026 Toyota Hilux.
Beyond the vehicles, the company distributed an array of high-value prizes, including Toyota RAV4s for regional champions, Changan and GAC sedans, solar inverters, and industrial deep freezers.
In his opening address, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, GMD/CEO of Lafarge Africa Plc, emphasized that the company’s success is inextricably linked to the trust of its partners.
“In 2025, we expanded our retail footprint and launched eco-friendly innovations like Ecoplanet Elephant and Ecocrete,” Alade-Akinyemi stated. “We walked the talk on innovation, using technology as a competitive advantage. We could not have done this without our customers and partners.”
Gbenga Onimowo, Commercial Director, referred to the attendees as “trade champions,” noting that the relationship is built on a foundation of integrity. “Your contribution merits daily appreciation. Tonight is about celebrating our wins together, in person.”
Osaze Aghatise, Logistics Director, further lauded the transporters as the “critical bridge” ensuring the nationwide availability of Lafarge’s building solutions, urging them to continue raising the bar in distribution efficiency.
The night concluded with a vibrant celebration of networking and live entertainment, reinforcing the spirit of collaboration that remains the bedrock of Lafarge Africa’s operations in Nigeria.
