Terminal operator empowers 500 people in host community

The West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), a subsidiary of APM Terminals Nigeria, has marked a significant milestone in its community empowerment efforts with the graduation of over 500 participants from its flagship capacity-building programme, ‘WACTpreneur’.

In a statement released on Monday, the terminal operator announced the successful completion of training by participants from the Onne and Ogu host communities, many of whom were women. The programme, which provides monthly training and mentorship, has now completed three batches, with the latest cohort comprising more than 500 graduates.

The WACTpreneur initiative is designed to equip local residents with key business management and entrepreneurial skills, supporting the development of viable enterprises and enhancing economic resilience in the region.

“The initiative, which runs in batches, aligns with one of WACT’s core CSR pillars—training and development,” the company stated. “It empowers local entrepreneurs with tools and knowledge necessary to start, manage, and grow sustainable businesses.”

Leadership Commends Impact and Commitment

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Jeethu Jose, Managing Director of WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria, emphasized the long-term vision of the initiative:

“WACTpreneur is more than just training; it’s an investment in the future of our host communities. I dream that WACT will touch every heart and every family in the coming years. On behalf of WACT and APM Terminals, I assure you that our collaboration with the community will continue.”

Also addressing the graduates, Chinelo Obienyem, Senior People Business Partner at WACT, highlighted the practical value of the training:

“Over six months, participants explored vital topics including merchandising, customer relations, supply chain management, record-keeping, credit sales, finance sourcing, business ethics, and cash flow management. These lessons will empower you to scale your businesses, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth in your communities.”

Community Leaders Applaud Programme

The programme received strong endorsements from community leaders. Barr. Christiana Tamunobereton-Ari, Vice Chairperson of Ogu/Bolo Community, praised WACT for empowering locals with sustainable skills:

“They did not just give us fish; they taught us how to catch it. The responsibility now lies with us to put these skills into practice. We assure WACT that we will multiply the impact of what they have given us.”

Similarly, Chief Sunday Dudu, Chairman of the Community Development Committee in Onne, Eleme LGA, hailed WACT’s commitment to local development:

“WACT has become a symbol of progress in Onne. Their presence continues to bring tangible development, with several impactful projects currently ongoing.”

Identifying and Meeting Community Needs

Justin Okwuofu, WACT’s Community Relations Manager, shed light on how the initiative began:

“After conducting a needs assessment alongside community representatives, we recognized a gap in business management capacity. In response, we launched the WACTpreneur programme in 2023 as a six-month training and mentorship effort to bridge this gap.”

WACT’s continued investment in human capital is a testament to its dedication to sustainable development and corporate social responsibility in its host communities.