Society Gists

As part of activities marking its 35th anniversary, renowned electro-mechanical engineering company Kresta Laurel Limited (KLL) has emphasized the importance of building a successor generation of Nigerian engineers while also advocating for stronger government support for local industries.

The company hosted a Leadership and Safety Skills Development Program for engineering students from the University of Lagos, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, and Lagos State University at its Maryland, Lagos headquarters. The initiative, according to the Managing Director Engr. Dideolu Falobi, FNSE, was designed to inspire young talents and bridge the gap between academic theory and industry practice.

“We need to start building the successor generation,” Falobi said. “This is why we organized this interactive session — to get students interested in what we do and see firsthand how engineering works in real-life settings.”

The event featured a series of impactful lectures, including a session on the company’s history by Falobi himself, a leadership lecture by Mr. Kehinde Sogunle, former Ogun State Commissioner for Finance, and a fire safety and HSE session handled by Mr. Sunkanmi Adegorite, Executive Director of Sales, and Mr. Habib Lukman, KLL’s HSE Officer, respectively.

Student participants lauded the program, describing it as a transformative experience that offered mentorship, industry insights, and exposure to practical engineering operations.

Beyond its commitment to human capital development, Kresta Laurel used the occasion to spotlight the harsh realities faced by Nigerian manufacturers. Falobi noted that while foreign companies enjoy subsidies and structural support from their home governments, local firms in Nigeria shoulder the burden of providing their own electricity, water, and infrastructure — only to be further weighed down by multiple taxes.

“How can we compete on a level playing field when we are not even standing on solid ground?” he asked. “There is an urgent need for the government to reduce this pressure on indigenous companies if we want local industries to flourish.”

Engr. Falobi also expressed optimism about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, especially the Nigeria First initiative and tax restructuring efforts. “These are bold moves, and if followed through, they can help rebuild entrepreneurs’ trust and boost the Nigerian business environment,” he said.

Founded in 1990, Kresta Laurel Limited has become a household name in Nigeria’s engineering industry with a portfolio that includes elevators and lifts, overhead travelling cranes, industrial UPS systems, welding equipment, and building maintenance units.

Under the leadership of Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun State and current Senator representing Ogun East, the company has demonstrated excellence in service delivery, technical expertise, and corporate responsibility.

Kresta Laurel’s 35th anniversary celebration continues with other engagements aimed at reinforcing its legacy as a socially responsible company committed to empowering Nigeria’s future and advocating for a more equitable industrial landscape.