A total of 350 elderly citizens from 14 communities hosting one of the largest cement manufacturing companies in Nigeria, the Lafarge Africa Plc yesterday benefitted from the food palliative items distributed by the firm.
The food palliative distribution, captured under the company’s Ewekoro Community Elderly Care Outreach included a 25 kg bags of rice and five-litre of vegetable oil targeted at the senior citizens were part of Lafarge’s Social Responsibility (CSR) aimed at easing the economic hardship being experienced across the country.
At the event, which had in attendance, government functionaries, several traditional rulers, as well as the communities’ youths, Lafarge’s group managing director (GMD), Lolu Alade-Akinyemi said the initiative was to demonstrate the unwavering commitment and dedication of the company towards uplifting the well-being of the aged members of the host communities.
Akinyemi, who was represented by the company’s head of sustainability, Mrs. Títí Oguntuga, explained that Lafarge Africa arrived at the decision after a careful needs assessments of the challenges of the elderly individuals in the country, “which include physical and psycho-social aspects of aging”.
“In Nigeria, elderly individuals and their families encounter significant challenges related to the physical and psychosocial aspects of aging. These challenges encompass shifts in family dynamics, heightened demand for medical services, increased economic pressure, and reduced functional independence”.
“At Lafarge Africa, we recognize that the strength of a community is measured by how it treats its most vulnerable members. Today’s event is therefore not just a ceremony; it is a testament to our commitment to standing by our aged community members. It is a pledge that we will continue to provide the support and resources needed during these challenging times”.
In his remarks, the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who was represented by the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hazmat, applauded Lafarge, assuring the company that his administration will continue to support the company towards ensuring that it stays at peace with the host communities so as to engender the needed development.
In his own remarks, the royal father of the day, the Onipapa of Papa Alantoland, Oba Abdul-Rasaq Olayiwola acknowledged the support of Lafarge towards making lives more meaningful to residents of the history communities.
