Lafarge Africa, a leading innovative and sustainable solutions company in Nigeria, has given insights into the importance of sustainability and innovation in shaping the future of business and the industry.
The company, which is one of the largest producers of cement in the country, believes that sustainability is not just a goal but a way of doing business, adding that it is also about finding innovative solutions that minimize environmental impact while maximizing value for the company’s stakeholders.
Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, the company’s GMD/CEO, who gave these explanations, pointed out, however, that innovation is not a solitary endeavor, explaining that it requires collaboration, creativity, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.
“That is why we are here today, to explore new ideas, share best practices, and strengthen our collaboration,” Alade-Akinyemi, who spoke at the company’s inaugural suppliers summit in Lagos recently, explained further.
The summit which had as theme, ‘Sustainable Business, Innovating with Excellence’ had in attendance key stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, industry experts, and partners, who discussed sustainability, innovation, and strategies for excellence.
The summit highlighted the company’s commitment to fostering innovation and promoting sustainability across the industry. It featured insightful panel discussions, networking opportunities, and interactive sessions focused on key topics such as innovation, efficiency, technology, and partnerships.
Saeed Ande, the company’s Procurement Director and host of the summit, also highlighted the critical role of procurement in driving sustainable practices. “I understand the critical role that our suppliers play in our success. You are not just suppliers; you are our partners in growth, our allies in sustainability, and our collaborators in innovation,” he said,
Marylyn Obaisa-Osula, Head ESG/Sustainability& Climate Change at PwC Nigeria, in her keynote presentation, provided an overview of sustainable supplying, highlighting the role of innovation in this transition.
A major highlight of the summit was the panel discussion on sustainability in business, featuring industry experts, including Olukola Dawodu, Assistant Director, SMEDAN represented by Leke Babalola, Chief Enterprise Officer, SMEDAN; Patrick Eneh, Head, Acquisition & Specialised Sectors, Stanbic IBTC; Vishant Dalamal, MD/CEO, MDV Limited; Temilola Abdul, Manager for Governance, Risk and Compliance at PwC Nigeria; and Anuoluwapo Gbadegesin, Legal & Compliance, Lafarge Africa, as moderator.
The discussants stressed the critical need for sustainable practices in business operations to ensure long-term environmental and economic health. They encouraged partnerships between suppliers, customers, and industry leaders to share best practices and drive collective success.
