Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading provider of sustainable building solutions, has reinforced its commitment to gender inclusion with the graduation of 17 female truck drivers from its Women-on-Wheels (WoW) initiative. The milestone event took place at the Lafarge Driving Institute in Ewekoro, Ogun State, highlighting the company’s efforts to promote diversity in the logistics sector.
The Women-on-Wheels initiative is designed to equip women with the necessary skills to operate heavy-duty vehicles, fostering a more inclusive transport industry. The graduation ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from government agencies, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and community leaders.
Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, Group Managing Director and CEO of Lafarge Africa Plc, emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, “At Lafarge Africa, we continuously invest in empowering women. The Women-on-Wheels program is a transformative step in the transport industry, enhancing our logistics value chain with professionally trained female drivers.”
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Osaze Aghatise, Logistics Director at Lafarge Africa, also highlighted the impact of the initiative, noting that increasing female participation in trucking improves road safety and strengthens operational efficiency.
The WoW program provides comprehensive training in partnership with accredited driving institutions and safety organizations. Honourable Adijat Adeleye-Oladapo, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ogun State, commended Lafarge for creating economic opportunities for women and advancing gender equality in Nigeria.
Mr. Adebola Sofela, representing the Commissioner of Industry, Trade & Investment in Ogun State, also lauded the initiative, while Akinwumi Fasakin, Ogun State Sector Commander of the FRSC, praised the graduates’ dedication and skill.
Three graduates—Shotayo Olajumoke, Adibe Favour, and Yaya Rukayat Olabisi—were recognized for their outstanding performance. Adibe Favour shared her experience, saying, “This program has transformed my life. I’m proud to be part of an initiative proving that women can thrive in the transport industry.”
Since its launch in 2019, the Women-on-Wheels initiative has trained and certified over 100 female truck drivers, setting a new standard for gender inclusion in logistics. With this latest cohort, Lafarge Africa continues to break barriers, paving the way for a more equitable and diverse transport sector.
