L-R: Secretary to the Ogun State Government (SSG), Mr Tokunbo Talabi; CEO/GMD, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr Lolu Alade-Akinyemi; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; General Counsel, Lafarge, Mrs Adewunmi Alade and Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Adebola Sofela, during a visit by Lafarge Africa to the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta
By Nudoiba Ojen
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has said that the high cost of asphalt, diesel and cement duty to inflation has increased the construction cost of Abeokuta-Ota-Lagos Expressway to about N150billion.
Abiodun, who said that the cost was N70billion when the state got permission of the Federal Government to reconstruct the federal road, called for the support of Lafarge and other multinational companies operating along the expressway in the reconstruction of the ever-busy road.
Abiodun, who said that the state government was making efforts, said that reconstructing the road would have multiplier effects on the socio-economic development of the state just as companies who have their base of operations along the route stand to benefit more.
The governor, who spoke in Abeokuta when the management team of Lafarge Africa Plc paid a courtesy visit to his office, recalled the various palliative interventions by the Ogun State Government to lessen the pains of motorists in view of the deplorable state.
He told the Lafarge team, “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.
“Your trucks are causing damages to the road. They are carrying cement and raw materials, and most of those trucks are even over-capacitating the design of the road,” the governor said.
Abiodun also called on the management of Larfarge to use global best practices in disposing industrial waste in their areas of operation.
Acknowledging the company’s longstanding commitment to the local economy, the governor emphasized the crucial role of collaboration with the private sector in addressing the challenges of sustainable economic growth and job creation.
He also commended Lafarge for its impact on industrial activities, providing valuable employment opportunities for residents and fostering skills development.
The governor said that Lafarge’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives including investments in education, healthcare, and community infrastructure, underscored its dedication to enhancing the quality of life for Ogun State residents.
Lafarge Chief Executive Officer, Mr Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, highlighted the company’s 64-year history of contributing to the economic growth of the Ewekoro axis.
Alade-Akinyemi 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.”
According to him, the company’s commitment to sustainable development is nested in four pillars- circular economy, climate, energy, and people.
The CEO added that Lafarge had played a pivotal role 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.
