By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
Lafarge Africa Plc has graduated 15 female truck drivers alongside five community drivers under its Women on Wheels initiative at its Ashaka Cement Plant in Gombe State.
The ceremony, held on April 9, 2026, marked a significant milestone in the company’s drive to promote inclusion and address workforce gaps in Nigeria’s construction logistics sector.
The graduates completed a rigorous training programme designed to equip them with technical competence, safety awareness, and professional standards required for heavy-duty vehicle operations.
Speaking at the event, Gombe State Deputy Governor, Mannasseh Jatau, commended Lafarge for creating opportunities that empower women and tackle societal challenges.
The Group Managing Director/CEO of Lafarge Africa Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, described the graduation as a reflection of progress and a shift in the nation’s logistics landscape, noting that the initiative is dismantling stereotypes and proving that competence transcends gender. He urged the graduates to uphold professionalism and serve as role models in the industry.
Also speaking, Logistics Director, Osazemen Aghatise, and Ashaka Cement Managing Director, Ibrahim Aminu, highlighted the programme’s impact in improving safety standards and reducing driver shortages.
The best graduating driver, Judith Baka, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, describing it as life-changing.
Since its launch in 2019, the Women on Wheels initiative has trained over 100 female drivers, reinforcing Lafarge’s commitment to sustainable employment, diversity, and the transformation of Nigeria’s construction industry.
