By Kunle SHONUGA
Lafarge Africa Plc has empowered over 600 people in Cross River as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
The empowerment which ranged from bursary awards to students in public secondary and tertiary institutions; to entrepreneurial development of over 400 youths in various ventures were geared toward improving life in its host community.
Speaking at the 2018 Lafarge Community Day at Mfamosing in Cross River on Sunday, the Plant Manager of Lafarge, Mfamosing Plant, Mr Peter Robson, said as an organisation, they always saw their host communities as partners.
Robson said Lafarge was committed to sustainable development with special focus on the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals which entrenched its 2030 sustainability agenda.
“Our sustainability goals focus on four pillars – climate change; circular economy; water and nature; and the people and community.
“We are gathered today to make a formal presentation of our social responsibility project to the good people of Mfamosing.
“They include the just-concluded Town Hall in Mfamosing and construction of Health Centre in Mbobui
“Also the renovation of blocks of six classrooms in Ekong Anaku; Civic and Training Centre in Oban; and the distribution of reflective vests to students of primary and secondary schools,’’ he said.
Robson said that in 2018, the company extended its engagement with Non- Governmental Organisations (NGOs) such as CUSO International and Girls Power Initiative (GPl) through which over 300 youths were currently being economically-empowered in different ventures.
He assured the communities of Lafarge’s long-term commitment to investment in the communities and asked for their cooperation for these goals to be achieved.
In his address, the Governor of Cross River, Prof. Ben Ayade, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Administration, Mr Mark Obi, noted that Lafarge was a true example of a company that understood the meaning of Corporate Social Responsibility.
According to Ayade, the government will do everything within its capacity to support Lafarge to continue its good works because what Lafarge is doing is in tandem with government’s policy of industrialisation.
Similarly, the wife of the governor, Dr Linda Ayade, urged the company to continue its assorted give-back programmes which covered various sectors.
Mrs Ayade, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Inyang Asibong, recalled that it was the second time Lafarge was holding its Community Day in 2018.
The governor’s wife announced that the construction of a sick bay for the Special Need School in Calabar by Lafarge had been completed.
She encouraged members of the Mfamosing community to shun violence and take advantage of the educational and entrepreneurial opportunities offered by Lafarge.
The Clan Head of Kasuk ll Qua Clan, His Highness Ededem Ayito, thanked the management of Lafarge for their developmental programmes in the rural communities.
Ayito, who encouraged the company to continue its good works, explained that their projects were helping to reduce unemployment in the communities as many beneficiaries could start up businesses after being empowered.
Some of the beneficiaries of the Lafarge entrepreneurial development training praised the company for its efforts in human capital development and promised to use the skills acquired for the betterment of their lives and communities
