Leaders of Isoso Community in Shagamu GRA, Ogun State, have commended the contribution of  Lafarge Africa Plc. to the construction of the first police station in the community. 

The community leaders, while speaking at the handover ceremony of the police station to officers of the Nigerian Police Force  recently, said other companies should emulate Lafarge Africa’s commitment to the development of its host communities. 

In his address at the ceremony, Sammy Ogunjimi, the Chairman, Royal Initiative for Development of Shagamu Community (RIDSCO), narrated that the project was started by the Isoso Community leaders before RIDSCO came in, however, it was later put on hold due to financial constraints. 

“We faced challenges beyond our expectations and we reached out to Lafarge Africa to support us. They accepted and today, we are here for the handover ceremony. This would not have been possible without them. We have a lot of ongoing projects aimed at developing our community and we depend on partners like Lafarge Africa. I urge other companies to emulate what Lafarge Africa is doing. Having this police station will improve security within the community,” Ogunjimi said. 

Also speaking at the ceremony,  Lanre Ogunlowo,  the Ogun State Commissioner of Police,stressed the need for security presence in the community. “While driving to this location, I understand the reason why there is a need for a police station in this vicinity.  Communities always want to have police presence, but there is a difference between wanting something and making it happen. 

“We are grateful for the resolve of the community to make this happen. We will provide logistics and personnel for effective operation. I also call on the community to hold us accountable for our work and maintenance of this property. Ogun State is the most industrialized state in Nigeria and Shagamu is part of this. There is a need to provide a secure environment for businesses and we will also support them to achieve this,” Ogunlowo said.

Commenting on the project, Gabriel Pollyn, head of sustainability and sponsorships, Lafarge Africa Plc., who represented Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, the group managing director/CEO, said it is a demonstration of the company’s commitment to public safety and the development of their host communities. 

“This police station is a testament to Lafarge Africa’s dedication to fostering sustainable development and improving the quality of life in the communities where we operate,” Pollyn remarked.

Ganiyu Oladipo, head of the Isoso Family, explained that the family donated the land and laid the foundation in 2020. He commended Lafarge Africa PLC for making the dream a reality, and pledged the community support for the police in carrying out their duty. 

The ceremony was graced by Babatunde Adewale, the Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remo Land, represented by Adewale Osiberu (Iruganyin Ekun III), the Elepe of Epe.