Lafarge Africa Plc has donated essential food items, including rice and vegetable oil, to over 350 elderly residents in its host communities within Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, at the flag-off of its elderly care outreach
It was gathered that this initiative is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, named the Lafarge Africa Elderly Care Programme.
The beneficiaries, drawn from 14 host communities around the cement plant in Ewekoro, received the aid aimed at enhancing their quality of life.
According to Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, Lafarge Africa’s Group Managing Director/CEO, while speaking about the initiative, she stated the company’s commitment to supporting retirees and vulnerable elderly individuals.
Represented by the Head of Sustainability and Corporate Brand, Titilope Oguntuga, the CEO said: “The Lafarge Elderly Care Programme demonstrates our unwavering dedication to improving the well-being and dignity of the aged members in our host communities. Our core focus areas include food provision, medical support, and economic empowerment.
“In Nigeria, elderly individuals face numerous challenges, including changes in family dynamics, increased medical needs, economic pressures, and reduced functional independence. Our program is a promise to provide the necessary care and support for those aged 50 and above, ensuring they lead fulfilling lives.”
In his own remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiu Hamzart, urged members of the host communities to maintain peaceful relations with Lafarge Africa to foster ongoing development.
“No meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of violence. Had there been a crisis in Ewekoro community, this kind of programme will not take place”, he noted, assuring the company’s continued government support,” he said.
Also, the Onipapa of Papalanto, Oba Abdulrasaq Olayiwola, acknowledged the support of Lafarge Africa in making lives more meaningful to residents of the host communities and called for community cooperation to ensure continued development.
He advised beneficiaries not to sell the received palliatives.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Dotun Oderinde, a member of the Community Relations Committee of Lafarge Africa, commended the company for its gesture and called on others to emulate them.
He assured Lafarge Africa of the continued support of members of the host communities, saying the company has laid a solid foundation for a mutually beneficial relationship.
