Lafarge Africa Plc recently celebrated its trade partners nationwide in a bid to appreciate their effective distribution of its building solutions and products across the country and thereby contributing to the overall growth plan of its business in 2022.
The grand ceremony, which was held in Victoria Island, Lagos, had in attendance over 100 customers, staff and distinguished guests.
Speaking on the sidelines with trade partners in Lagos, the Group managing director/CEO, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr. Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, expressed the company’s appreciation to their customers for helping to sustain the availability of Lafarge’s products all over the country, and for their remarkable contribution to the company’s success in the past year.
He said: “At Lafarge Africa, our relationship with our trade partners and distributors is crucial in providing value-added products and solutions for the housing and infrastructure sectors of the economy. Tonight, we are here to celebrate your significant role in the growth and success of Lafarge Africa. We cannot overemphasise the impact of your contributions to Lafarge Africa’s performance. We are partners in progress. I personally thank you and express our excitement for an even more impactful 2023.”
According to Alade-Akinyemi, “Actualising Lafarge Africa’s vision has led us to an increased focus on customer transformation through value adding experiences and partnerships.”
He further stated: “In alignment with our corporate vision of accelerating green growth, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprints at scale, taking actions across the building life cycle through investments and innovation in more sustainable solutions within our manufacturing process. With the production of eco-friendly products, we are accelerating the transition to more sustainable building materials for greener construction.”
In his welcome address, the Commercial director, Lafarge Africa Plc., Mr. Gbenga Onimowo, thanked the customers for delivering the quality Lafarge Africa demands of its partners.
To him, “I want you to know that as cherished customers, you are the heartbeat of our supply chain. Your dedication ensures that builders and businesses throughout Nigeria can confidently access our quality products when they need them. Tonight, we gather not only to celebrate, but to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support that’s been pivotal in our ongoing journey of growth.”
Onimowo attributed the success story of the company to the critical role the trade partners and distributors play in the company’s supply chain and particularly proud of the synergy that exists between them and the business.
“Our efforts, when combined, yield tangible results for all. We’re not just working together; we’re building relationships that last. These relationships are founded on sustainability, innovation and mutual value creation. You’re not just our partners, you’re our extended family, and we’re here to support and celebrate each other’s successes,” he stressed.
While reflecting on the remarkable steps the company has taken with the trade partners, he noted that timely deliveries are essential, so the company has made its trucks and fleets available to ensure that the customers’ projects continue without a hitch.
According to him, the company has also revamped its ClickIT App based on their feedback. “It’s all about making your experience smoother and more efficient. We understand the importance of technology in making things easier for you. We’ve given out significant temporary overdraft (TOD) incentives in 2022 up to N70 billion, showing our commitment to a strong partnership,” he added.
According to the Commercial director, “this year’s theme: ‘Accelerate for Growth’ captures Lafarge Africa’s commitment to surpassing our achievements. He said: ‘It’s a challenge not just for us, but for all of us – our esteemed customers and dedicated employees alike – to kick things into high gear as we approach the latter half of the year, aiming to end it on a strong note.”
At the end of the gala event, several dealers went home with numerous prizes which were given out based on performance. The star prize for the National Volume Champion was presented to Prince Sunny Nwodo of Global Snco West Africa Ltd, HRH Igwe Cosmos Umeh of C.C Umeh & Sons received the 2nd National Runners-Up, while Elder Obong Ubot of Ubotex Nig. Ltd emerged as the 3rd National Runners-Up.
Also, Al-Amir Enterprises, Maseliz Enterprises, Vicross Enterprises and U. Mekason Trading Stores received the Regional Volume Champion for North, Lagos, West and East respectively.
Other non-volume related awards such as Brand Loyalty, Model Infrastructure, Lead Innovator amongst others were also presented. In addition to trade customers, the company’s key account customers and Ready-mixed customers were also rewarded for volume recognition and value adding in this category.
Responding on behalf of the awardees, the star winner, Prince Sunny Nwodo of Global Snco (WA) Ltd, expressed his gratitude to the management of Lafarge Africa for recognising the contributions of the dealers to their business, noting that, hard work and having a strong business network made it possible for him to be the number one customer of Lafarge Africa pan Nigeria for the fourth time in a row and to achieve the impressive sales target for the year.
