In a move to expand economic opportunities for women and promote gender inclusion in the construction sector, the Ogun State Government, in partnership with Lafarge Africa, has graduated a new cohort of female tilers and bricklayers under a specialised skills acquisition programme.
The initiative, which culminated in a graduation ceremony and commissioning of a practical project at the Lafarge Female Tilers and Bricklayers Training Centre in Asero, Abeokuta, is aimed at bridging gender gaps and equipping women with employable technical skills.
Delivering the keynote address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Folusho Obienu, described the programme as a testament to the power of public-private partnerships in tackling unemployment and gender disparity.
She noted that the training combined both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, enabling participants to acquire the competence and confidence required to succeed in the construction industry.
Obienu urged the graduates to see themselves as pioneers and change-makers, capable of influencing their communities and inspiring other women to venture into traditionally male-dominated fields. She charged them to uphold professionalism, remain committed to continuous learning and strive for excellence in their chosen careers.
Also speaking, the Sustainability Manager at Lafarge Africa, Mr. Gabriel Pollyn, said the initiative was designed to boost women’s participation in construction and dismantle long-standing gender barriers.
According to him, the programme incorporated mentorship, business management training and practical exposure, positioning participants to build sustainable careers. He added that plans were underway to create a comprehensive database that would connect the graduates with job placements, internships and future projects.
Pollyn described the training as a stepping stone toward broader inclusion in the construction industry, urging beneficiaries to continue developing their skills as the programme expands.
In his remarks, Lafarge Consultant, Mr. Folarin Quadri, commended the trainees for their dedication, discipline and teamwork throughout the training, while advising them to remain time-conscious and professional in their engagements.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Olakunke Abosede and Idowu Omowunmi expressed gratitude to the Ogun State Government and Lafarge Africa for the opportunity to acquire skills in what they described as a traditionally male-dominated field.
They noted that the training would serve as a sustainable means of livelihood, enabling them to become self-reliant and economically independent.
The event also featured the presentation of awards, distribution of tools to the graduates and the commissioning of a practical project executed by the trainees.
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