C'river Deputy Governor Commends Lafarge Peoples'-Oriented Policies

The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has commended Lafarge on its people's-oriented policies that has transformed the socio-economic lives of it host communities.

The commendation was made, Wednesday during the 2023 Lafarge Community Day which doubled as the formal commissioning of the company's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) interventions to the people of Mfamosing in Akamkpa and other host communities.

The projects captured this year included: Training and empowerment of 30 beneficiaries of the host communities with skills and equipment to start up their businesses, Education support to 100 Secondary school beneficiaries and 40 Tertiary students as well as NYSC support to their host communities.

The company also donated food items and business equipment to 150 elders across their host communities, Provision of fully equipped health centres in Abiati, Essien Town, and Akansoko communities as well as the adopt-a-school projects across all their host community primary schools to ensure that, every child has access to quality basic education.

Speaking during the momentous occasion, Rt. Hon. Odey who was represented by his  Head of Personnel Staff, Dr. Chris Ojikpong, said over the years, Lafarge has been an outstanding beacon of commitment to community development and has consistently demonstrated its dedication to making a positive impact beyond the realms of business and profit making.

Odey added that the Government of Cross River State has been a witness to Lafarge's numerous health outreaches, construction and furnishing of health centres and schools, essay and quiz competitions geared towards encouraging interest in education, amongst others.

"As we bask in the success of past endeavours, I encourage Lafarge to continue on this path of deliberate excellence.

"Our doors are open to discuss ways we could support Lafarge's continued growth in her operation as the success of the company is intertwined with the prosperity of our communities.

"On behalf of the government of Cross River State, I want to reiterate our determination to provide an enabling environment for the success of businesses like yours.

"To the host communities, thank you for your partnership and support that has ensured peaceful co-existence," Odey added.

Earlier, the Plant Manager of Lafarge, Sotirios Valsamakis, expressed his pleasure to play host to the representative of the Government, Traditional Rulers, Chiefs of host communities, management and staff of Lafarge Africa in the 2023 edition of Community Day.

In his words: "As an organization, we recognize our host communities as our parents, building progressively together for the future, while ensuring that we leave positive footprints that will impact the society.

"Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the Government of Cross River State as well as traditional rulers and host communities.

"Let me say here that Lafarge Africa's commitment to the development of our local communities is unwavering.

"We therefore ask for continued support from all our stakeholders to enable us to achieve set goals".

The Corporate Responsibility Committee representative for Mbobui Community in Akamkpa Local Government Area and Chairman, Mfamosing Community Relations, Ntufam Alphonsus  Bassey,said Lafarge is a blessing and a gift from God to them as a community.

He assured the company of their cooperation and unalloyed support, while looking forward to better days ahead, as he believed that Lafarge is committed to do more for  the people.

Also present at the event were the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Mike Odere, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Mrs. Helen Egodo, Chairman of Cross River Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Godwin Okon and other stakeholders.

Highpoints of the 2023 Community Day celebration was symbolic commissioning of projects across the communities, presentation of dummy cheques to beneficiaries of vocational skills as well as tertiary and secondary school bursary awards.