Industry Leaders Converge, As Teco Group Marks 45th Anniversary

Foremost indigenous engineering and agro-industrial firm, TECO Group, marked its 45th anniversary last week Thursday. The event, held in Lagos, brought together staff, engineers, business partners, government representatives and well-wishers to celebrate the companys journey and its place in Nigerias industrial and agricultural landscape. Executive Director, Funmi Babatunde-Dada opened the ceremony by tracing the companys history from its early days to its present operations. She recalled presenting flowers to the late Rear Admiral Sunday Abiodun Olukoya at the commissioning of the companys Owo factory in 1991, describing the moment as symbolic of TECOs early aspirations. She noted that the firms stability and longevity stems from its founding vision, second generation leadership and commitment to people development. On his part, Founder and Chairman, Engr. Charles Aladewolu shared memories that shaped his interest in agro-industrial engineering. His postgraduate research work in the 1970s led to a collaboration with Stork Amsterdam B.V., resulting in the creation of TECO STORK Nigeria Ltd in 1980. He highlighted ongoing upgrades at the companys workshop, touted to be one of the largest facilities for fabricating palm oil processing equipment in Africa. He also revealed plans to begin exporting more machinery to West African markets from 2026, and pointed to an existing succession framework aimed at positioning the company for long-term continuity. Representing the Ondo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Director of Engineering Engr. Caleb Olowojola delivered the keynote address. He described the anniversary as a reminder of the role indigenous innovation can play in the nations development. He praised the companys diversification efforts, noting that broader technical capacity would be relevant to Nigerias agricultural transformation goals.