The Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, has commended the resilience and determination of women participating in the 2025 Female Tilers and Block-Laying Training Programme, describing them as “trailblazers redefining the boundaries of gender roles in construction.”
The initiative, launched in partnership with Lafarge Africa Plc, is part of a broader effort to empower women from low-income communities with practical skills in tiling and block-laying. The eight-week programme combines hands-on training using Lafarge’s Supafix and SupaSet products with entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and mentorship classes.
Speaking during a site visit to one of the training centers in Abeokuta, Commissioner Adeleye expressed pride in the participants’ progress and emphasized the importance of inclusive development. “These women are not just learning a trade—they’re rewriting the narrative. Ogun women are proving that they can thrive in any sector, including those traditionally dominated by men,” she said.
The programme, which also benefits women from Lagos and Cross River States, is designed to create pathways to employment and self-reliance. According to Lafarge, over 100 women are enrolled in the current cohort, with plans to expand the initiative in 2026.
Participants shared their excitement about the opportunity, noting that the training has opened doors they never imagined. “I used to think construction was only for men. Now I’m laying blocks and planning to start my own business,” said one trainee.
Commissioner Adeleye urged other corporate organizations to emulate Lafarge’s commitment to gender empowerment and community development. She also reaffirmed the Ogun State Government’s dedication to supporting women through skill acquisition, access to finance, and policy advocacy.