Lafarge Africa celebrates beneficiaries of its persons with Disability-to-Ability programme
Head of Communications, Brand & Events, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mrs. Ginika Frank-Durugbor; Director, Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainable Development, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mrs. Viola Graham-Douglas; Guinness World Record Chess Champion, Mr.Tunde Onakoya ; Executive Secretary, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund ( LSETF), Mrs. Feyisayo Alayande; Director, Monitoring and Evaluation, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs( LASODA), Dr Oluwafunmilayo Adekola, and Head of Sustainability, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr. Gabriel Pollyn during the celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities with the participants of the Lafarge Africa’s Disability to Ability(D2A) Programme held in Ikorodu, Lagos today
…Partners with Tunde Onakoya, LSETF others
Lafarge Africa Plc, a building solutions company renowned for creating a greener planet through innovation and operational excellence, commemorated International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Thursday, December 4, 2025 with the participants of its Disability-to-Ability (D2A) Programme in partnership with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) and Tunde Onakoya, Founder, Chess in Slums Africa, and Guinness World Record Holder for the longest marathon chess game.
A statement from the organisation said the D2A Programme, themed “Ability Reimagined,” which kicked off recently is designed to train 100 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and equip them with market-relevant vocational and entrepreneurial skills that open pathways to employment, business development, and long-term self-reliance. Participants will receive hands-on training in four key areas: Laptop and Phone Repairs, Make-Up and Gele, Wig and Braids Making, and Shoe and Bag Making.
To ensure accessibility and inclusivity, the programme was implemented across two hubs; Ikeja (Lagos West) and Ikorodu (Lagos East), allowing beneficiaries from different parts of the state to participate fully.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Communications, Public Affairs & Sustainable Development, Lafarge Africa Plc, Viola Graham-Douglas, described the initiative as a reflection of Lafarge’s commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods. She expressed her appreciation to the partners for championing inclusion and supporting the success of the programme.
Graham-Douglas explained that beyond technical skills, the programme will expose participants to entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and mentorship sessions coordinated by LSETF, ensuring that beneficiaries are not only skilled but also ready to thrive as business owners or professionals in their chosen fields.
“This programme is very important to us at Lafarge and underscores our commitment to our communities. We don’t just produce building solutions, we build society, homes, and empower people to be the best that they possibly can be”, she said.
“Everyone has a right to dignity, to make a living, and we believe in real opportunities. A society is not governed by the policy, it is governed by people, committed people, people who really want to make a difference. We really want to make a difference in people’s lives and an inclusive society is one where everyone can make a living and give back in their own way,” she added.
In his speech, the program partner, Tunde Onakoya lifted the spirits of the participants, citing his personal story and how playing chess and reading books gave him the opportunity to travel the world despite his condition. He charged the beneficiaries to believe in themselves and take utmost advantage of the Lafarge D2A programme as a valuable opportunity. He encouraged them to be diligent with their God-given skills and use them as a blessing to the world. He commended Lafarge for providing such an opportunity that empowers people living with disabilities.
Mrs. Feyisayo Alayande, the Executive Secretary/CEO Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) joined other key stakeholders at the event to engage the beneficiaries in a speed mentoring session.
Also speaking, the General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, who was represented by Dr Adekola Oluwafunmilayo, Director, Monitoring and Evaluation, LASODA emphasized that the responsibility of building an inclusive society does not lie with the government alone but is a shared task that requires collaboration, compassion, and consistent effort from every stakeholder.
She commended the partnership of Lafarge Africa Plc and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) for the impactful entrepreneurship training, which has over 100 beneficiaries. “By supporting business registration and providing starter toolkits at the end of the training, you are empowering these individuals to begin their entrepreneurial journeys with confidence and clarity. This is the kind of thoughtful support that truly transforms lives, and we at LASODA sincerely appreciate your commitment” she concluded.
