Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has sought the support of Lafarge and other multinational companies operating along the Abeokuta-Ota-Lagos Expressway to join hands in reconstructing the ever busy road.
Abiodum made this call when the management team of Lafarge Africa Plc paid a courtesy visit to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the state capital
He explained that the reconstructing the road will have multiplier effects on the socio-economic development of the state, while companies who have their base of operations along the route stand to benefit more.
The Governor lamented the deplorable condition of the road, even as he recalled the various palliative interventions by the Ogun State Government to mitigate the pains of motorists.
Abiodun however, stressed that Ogun State has secured the permission of the Federal Government to reconstruct the road, the cost, which was initially put at about N70 billion, would be in the region of N150 billion or more due to the high cost of asphalt, diesel, and cement as a result of inflation.
“It is important we sit down and identity what portion of the expanse of that road Larfarge and the likes are going to contribute because the truth is that you are one of the biggest contributors to the condition of that road,” Abiodun said.
“Your trucks are causing damages to the road. They are carrying cement and raw materials, and most of those trucks are even overcapacitating the design of the road.
The Governor urged the management of Larfarge to use global best practices in disposing industrial waste in their areas of operation.
While lauding the company’s unwavering support to the local economy, Abiodun highlighted the significant role of collaboration with the private sector in tackling the challenges of sustainable economic growth and job creation.
The Governor equally appreciated Lafarge for its impact on industrial activities, providing valuable employment opportunities for residents and fostering skills development.
Lafarge’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, including investments in education, healthcare, and community infrastructure, underscore its dedication to enhancing the quality of life for Ogun State residents, the governor added.
He disclosed that the synergy between Lafarge and the Ogun State Government strengthened the resilience of the state during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his response, Mr. Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, the Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge, Mr Lolu Alade-Akinyemi emphasized on the company’s 64-year history of contributing to the economic growth of the Ewekoro axis.
He said, “Lafarge is part of the Holcim Group, one of the world’s leading building materials giants. A commitment to the sustainable development of every community and every country in which we operate is fundamental, non-negotiable principle in our business.”
Alade-Akinyemi stated that the company’s commitment to sustainable development is nested in four pillars- circular economy, climate, energy, and people.
He explained further that Lafarge Africa Plc has been instrumental in the state’s economic development, exemplifying a commitment to sustainable growth and community empowerment.
The company’s extensive operations and investments have significantly contributed to job creation and overall economic prosperity, he said.
