Gov. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has commended Lafarge Africa Plc for promoting gender inclusion following the graduation of 20 drivers under its maiden “Women on Wheels” programme in Ashaka.
Yahaya, represented by his deputy, Manasseh Daniel Jatau, described the initiative as a significant step toward breaking gender barriers and addressing unemployment in Nigeria’s male-dominated transport and logistics sector.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony held in Funakaye Local Government Area, the governor expressed confidence in the abilities of the new drivers, noting that women often demonstrate commitment, reliability and professionalism in their duties.
He congratulated the graduates and urged them to uphold professionalism and comply strictly with traffic regulations while carrying out their responsibilities.
The governor also called on the management of Lafarge Africa Plc to strengthen collaboration with government and host communities through improved corporate social responsibility, particularly by enhancing access roads in the area.
Earlier, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, disclosed that the company had trained a total of 113 professional women drivers nationwide under the initiative.
He said the programme was designed to challenge traditional norms and expand opportunities for women in heavy-duty truck driving.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Ashaka Cement, Aminu Ibrahim, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to economic empowerment, gender equality and inclusivity as key pillars of its operations.
The Emir of Funakaye, Yakubu Muhammad Kwairaga, commended the company for introducing the initiative and urged greater youth inclusion in future training cohorts.
Similarly, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Gombe State, Samson Kaura, advised the graduates to remain vigilant and maintain high safety standards on the roads.
The graduating class comprised 15 female truck drivers and five male community drivers, with three top-performing trainees receiving awards for outstanding performance during the training.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Judith Baka thanked the company for the opportunity and pledged that the group would discharge their duties with diligence and professionalism.
