Lafarge Africa Reinforces Commitment To Community Development As It Renovates School In Ogun State

<em>L-R: Chairman Ogun State SUBEB, Evang. Joshua Ifede; Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperative, Ogun State, Ademola Balogun; Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Ogun State, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu; GMD/CEO, Lafarge Africa Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi and Special Adviser to the Governor of Ogun State on Investment, Sola Arobieke, at the commissioning of the remodeled and upgraded School by Lafarge Africa Plc</em>

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Lafarge Africa Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to quality education and community development through the remodeling and upgrading of Christian Pelamourges Memorial Baptist Day Nursery and Primary School, Agbesi, Ewekoro, Ogun State.

The comprehensive renovation encompassed the refurbishment of five blocks of classroom, extension of the Head Teacher’s office, and the construction of new dining and toilet facilities.

It also included significant structural improvements such as new roofing, electrical and plumbing works, plastering, tiling, and painting across the classroom blocks.

In addition, new furnishings, desks, chairs, a football field, library shelves, and dining tables were also provided to enhance comfort and functionality, a fully functional playground and football field for pupils and staff alike.

Speaking on the project, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Lafarge Africa Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, said that the initiative reflects the company’s dedication to advancing education as a key driver of sustainable development.

“At Lafarge Africa, we believe that quality education is one of the most powerful tools for building the future of children. Through projects like the Christian Pelamourges Memorial Baptist Day Nursery and Primary School, Agbesi renovation, we are not only improving infrastructure but also empowering young minds and creating an environment where learning can truly thrive. This investment demonstrates our commitment to strengthening the social fabric of our host communities and ensuring that no child is left behind,” Alade-Akinyemi said.

Also speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Ogun State, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, said the renovation aligned with the state’s school facility rehabilitation programme.

“Ogun State government under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun is intentional about education by deliberately and scientifically rehabilitating the state education facilities. We cannot do this alone and that is where the private sector comes in. We appreciate Lafarge for this global standard facility which aligns with the state’s rehabilitation pillars. The company has again demonstrated its commitment to giving back to its community. I encourage you to do more so that the impact can be felt more. I also assure you that this facility will be properly maintained,” Arigbabu said.

The Chairman Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Evangelist Joshua Ifede, commended Lafarge Africa for its partnership and community development aimed at securing the future of our children.

Expressing gratitude on behalf of the SUBEB, Ifede said: “SUBEB expresses profound appreciation to Lafarge for this investment. You have shown that corporate social responsibility can indeed be a noble assignment. This is a global standard upgrade that will enhance the teaching process, promote engagement among the pupils and motivate the teachers”.

The Head Teacher, Christian Pelamourges Memorial Baptist Day Nursery and Primary School, Agbesi, Mrs Ayoola Oluwaseunayo, expressed appreciation to Lafarge Africa for the transformation, describing it as a life-changing intervention that will impact generations of learners.

To show appreciation to Lafarge Africa for providing a suitable environment to promote their learning and development, the elated students presented a beautiful song that they had composed for the company.

During the ceremony Lafarge Africa Plc also donated 2,000 copies of Mathematics textbooks to the Ogun State government to support the preparation of students for their Senior School Certificate Examination.

The Christian Pelamourges Memorial Baptist Day Nursery and Primary School, Agbesi renovation project exemplifies Lafarge Africa’s broader sustainability agenda, which focuses on empowering communities.

By investing in young learners and providing better educational facilities, Lafarge continues to build lasting value in the communities where it operates.