Prompted by the mission to add more value to the technological growth and development of the country, especially to its host communities in South-West, South-South and North-East, Lafarge Africa PLC has repositioned its flagship technological training offered to young Nigerians as part of its corporate social responsibility.
The multinational cement company improved on the scope and coverage of the semi-skilled engineering training scheme established three years ago for science-based young secondary school leavers drawn from Ogun state, South-West, to all its host communities across Nigeria, having secured accreditation and partnership from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Speaking at the launch and matriculation of the new intakes of Lafarge Africa Cement Professional Technician Programme (CPTP) held in Ewekoro Plant in Ogun State on Thursday, Micheal Shokunbi, Manager of Lafarge Africa CPTP, disclosed that Lafarge Africa had expanded the scope and coverage of the scheme to include science-based young school leavers from North-East and South-South geo-political zones of the country.
Shokunbi explained that though the scheme was designed for empowerment of youths drawn from its host communities in the country, bridging skills gap and improving employability among the targeted youths, the accreditation and partnership from NBTE as well as Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and National Consultative Assembly (NECA) make the certificate valid for admission in any Nigerian universities.
He said, “the training aims at equipping participants selected across our plants in Nigeria; Ashaka in Gombe, Mfamosing in Cross River as well as Sagamu and Ewekoro in Ogun state, with knowledge and technical skills to work in cement industry. The participants will receive their training across the country in our state-of-the-art training centres.
“There will be training in mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and automation technology, cement manufacturing process and entrepreneurship. It is worthy to mention that CPTP is proudly supported by Industrial Training Fund, National Employeer Consultative Assembly and it’s also accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).”
Also, Michel Puchercos, Country Chief Executive Officer, Lafarge Africa PLC, noted that “CPTP is a national programme which is unified and improved on to bring change in our society and it explains our CSR activities which are hinged on five pillars, namely, health and safety, education and infrastructure as well as clean environment.”
Puchercos, who was represented by Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Director, Communications and Public Affairs, added, “with this launch of CPTP here in Ewekoro today, 15 pioneer participants will be formally inducted into the programme and will run for three years across all our locations in Nigeria.
“These participants drawn from our host communities will enjoy multiple benefits of theoretical and practical coaching as well as having exposure across the plants of Lafarge Africa in Nigeria.”
Responding on behalf of government, Modupe Mujota, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, lauded Lafarge Africa’s innovation and initiative on youths development, especially as regards science-based training, pledging government’s support for the success of the programme as she said, “I therefore, advise that you make the programme a continuous one.”
She however, admonished the participants to concentrate on the training in order to achieve optimal performance, adding: “Dear participants, to whom much is given, much is expected. You are not here by chance; you have a specific and important role to play in ensuring that the three-year intensive multi-skilling vocational training will bring about improved standard of living in our communities.”
RAZAQ AYINLA, Abeokuta
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