In a significant boost for local enterprise, the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), operated by APM Terminals Nigeria, has marked a major milestone in its community development efforts. The terminal recently celebrated the graduation of 600 beneficiaries from the fourth and fifth cohorts of its flagship WACTpreneur initiative.
A Celebration of Entrepreneurial Spirit
The graduation ceremony, held recently, brought together community leaders from WACT's host communities of Onne and Ogu in Rivers State, implementation partners, and company representatives. The event celebrated the successful completion of a rigorous six-month entrepreneurship training and mentorship programme designed to build sustainable businesses.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of WACT, Jeethu Jose, emphasized the programme's core mission. Represented by the company’s Senior People Business Partner, Chinelo Obienyem, Jose stated that WACTpreneur is specifically crafted to strengthen small businesses. The curriculum provides hands-on training in essential areas including merchandising, customer relations, record keeping, and supply chain management. It also covers credit sales, sources of finance, business integrity, and cash flow management.
Equipping Communities for Long-Term Success
Jose congratulated the graduates for their dedication and perseverance. He urged them to apply the newly acquired knowledge to scale their enterprises and, in turn, contribute meaningfully to local economic development. "Today, we are celebrating determination, resilience and the entrepreneurial spirit within our host communities," Jose said. "We are confident that the skills acquired through this programme will enable our graduates to create jobs, expand their businesses, and serve as role models for entrepreneurship within their communities."
The programme's implementation partner, Dufy Global Enterprise, also reaffirmed its commitment. The Principal Partner and CEO, Victor Akubor, noted that the collaboration with WACT reflects a shared vision of empowering entrepreneurs with practical knowledge for long-term success. "We are proud of the progress made by the beneficiaries and look forward to seeing their businesses thrive," Akubor stated.
Community Leaders Applaud Sustainable Investment
Leaders from the beneficiary communities commended WACT for its sustained investment in human capital development. The Chairman of the Onne Community Development Committee, Godfrey Maate, highlighted that WACT has consistently demonstrated genuine commitment. This commitment extends beyond infrastructure projects to directly empowering people with skills that foster self-reliance and stimulate economic growth.
This latest graduation reinforces WACT's and APM Terminals Nigeria's broader commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth and sustainable community development in their areas of operation. By focusing on practical entrepreneurship training, the initiative aims to create a ripple effect of prosperity, job creation, and strengthened local economies in Rivers State.
