Lafarge Africa : Completes 2022/23 Graduate Trainee Programme

Lagos, Nigeria, Friday, August 9, 2023.Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading Sub-Saharan Africa Building Solutions Company and member of Holcim, a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions, has announced the graduation of its 2022/23 set of Graduate Trainees at a ceremony held in Ewekoro, after a successful 18-month intensive training programme.

The Lafarge Africa Graduate Trainee Program is designed to attract and nurture young, talented individuals who possess the qualifications and attributes to become exceptional leaders in their respective fields. In particular, the 2022 stream focused on Industrial talent, and hence sought to attract primarily Engineering students. The training programme aims to bolster the company's talent pipeline in crucial areas of the business while simultaneously promoting gender diversity and inclusion in line with the company's Diversity & Inclusion guidelines.

After a meticulous selection process which involved reviewing over 5,000 applications, 15 outstanding candidates were identified with backgrounds in various Engineering disciplines including Mechanical, Electrical, Mining, etc. Sixty percent of the successful applicants are female which is in line with Lafarge Africa's commitment to Gender Diversity and Inclusion.

Thesuccessful candidates were then assigned to various units within the Industrial department and embarked on a comprehensive 18-month program that includes intensive functional training, classroom learning and functional rotations. The program concludes with a final learning session in a business school conducted in collaboration with the company's esteemed partners at the Lagos Business School.

The Graduate Trainees are now ready to transition into their respective positions within the Industrial Department across the country. Equipped with their newly acquired skills and knowledge, they are poised to make significant contributions to the organization's operations, ensuring its effectiveness and success.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony, the Organisation & Human Resources Director, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr. Gbemiga Owolabi, stated: "Our mission was to provide the organisation with well-rounded individuals who are technically sound, having spent a sufficient amount of time training them, and of course also prepare them for leadership positions in the future. Today's event also shows Lafarge Africa's commitment to gender equality and job creation'.

Owolabi, advised the graduates to have a growth mindset, embrace professionalism at all times and put in the values, skills and time required. He also charged them to be ethical, aspirational, resilient and look for the right mentorship. "As you graduate today, look for a mentor and start building that network. You need someone to guide you to support and fast track your growth within the business. Lastly, become a part of the champions that would make Lafarge a great place to work!"

Similarly, Johannes Diedericks, Industrial Director, Lafarge Africa Plc, while speaking to the graduands, noted: "You stand at the doorstep of your own careers. I have had the opportunity to review your progress during this period and what I see is young high potential individuals that can make the change. Make yourself successful in the positions you have been nominated in because that will path your way to the next big position. If you really want to climb the ladder, you need to be successful in what you do. We really look forward to what you will be bringing to the company in the future."

Ugochi Bede-Nwokoye, the Head of Talent and Organizational Development remarked: "We are proud of the professionals they've become and the value they already bring to the business. We are very excited about the future and look forward to their continued growth and success in the organisation."

The Head, Industrial Learning & Development, Lafarge Africa Plc, Engr. Michael Shokunbi, while presenting the graduands said they have been prepared to become the epitome of what the company proudly represents in the industry. "These young men and women have learnt a lot and have shown their readiness to put into work all they have learned during the programme'.

Also, Arshad Tarar, Learning and Development Global Programs Manager, Cement Excellent Manufacturing said: "This is a unique learning and growth opportunity for you in Lafarge Africa. If you really want to grow in this organization you have to improve your technical and non-technical skills. You have a whole lot of opportunities to grow within the business."

Speaking on behalf of the graduands, Egbo Godspower, stated: "I would like to sincerely appreciate the management and leadership of Lafarge Africa; it is their vision that has brought us to the point of becoming Graduates trainees of the company and successfully graduating today. The leadership team of the Graduate Trainee program has given us a leverage to explore our unique gifts and talents in various aspects of the business.

On behalf of my colleagues, we'd like to say a big thank you to our mentors, coaches and colleagues who have shared their professional expertise and experience with us, this has shaped us and given us the professional edge that we have now. All that we have received will give us an opportunity to explore our various talents. We will make everyone proud."

Lafarge Africa is active in four business segments including Cement, Aggregates, Ready-Mix Concrete and Solutions & Products.

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About Lafarge Africa Plc

Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading Sub-Saharan Africa building solutions company is a member of Holcim Limited, a world leader in building solutions accelerating our world's green transformation. Listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Lafarge Africa is actively participating in the urbanization and economic growth of Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa.

Lafarge Africa has the widest footprint in Nigeria with cement operations in the South West (Ewekoro and Sagamu in Ogun State), North East (Ashaka, in Gombe State), South East (Mfamosing, Cross Rivers State) with Ready-Mix operations in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. Lafarge Africa has a current installed cement production capacity of 10.5Mtpa.

Lafarge Africa leverages on its innovative expertise to provide value-added products and services solutions in the building and construction industry in Nigeria. Additional information is available on the website atwww.lafarge.com.ng

About Holcim

Holcimbuilds progress for people and the planet. As a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions, Holcim is enabling greener cities, smarter infrastructure and improving living standards around the world. With sustainability at the core of its strategy Holcim is becoming a net zero company, with its people and communities at the heart of its success. The company is driving the circular economy as a world leader in recycling to build more with less. Holcim is the company behind some of the world's most trusted brands in the building sector including ACC, Aggregate Industries, Ambuja Cement, Disensa, Firestone Building Products, Geocycle, Holcim and Lafarge. Holcim is 70,000 people around the world who are passionate about building progress for people and the planet through four business segments: Cement, Ready-Mix Concrete, Aggregates and Solutions & Products.

More information is available onwww.holcim.com

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Ginikanwa Frank-Durugbor

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