The West African Container Terminal–APM Terminals Nigeria recently graduated an additional 600 beneficiaries from the fourth and fifth cohorts of its WACTpreneur programme, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable community development and inclusive economic growth across its host communities, the terminal announced in a statement on Sunday.
According to the statement, the graduation ceremony brought together programme beneficiaries; community leaders from their host communities of Onne and Ogu, both in Rivers State; implementation partners; and WACT representatives to celebrate the successful completion of six months of intensive entrepreneurship training and mentorship.
The WACTpreneur programme is designed to strengthen small businesses by providing hands-on training in merchandising, customer relations, record keeping, supply chain management, credit sales, sources of finance, integrity in business, and cash flow management, among other core business areas.
Speaking at the event on behalf of the Managing Director, Jeethu Jose, WACT Senior People Business Partner, Chinelo Obienyem, congratulated the graduates for their dedication and perseverance.
Obienyem further encouraged the graduates to apply the knowledge gained to grow their enterprises and contribute to local economic development.
“Today, we are celebrating more than the graduation of 600 beneficiaries; we are celebrating determination, resilience, and the entrepreneurial spirit within our host communities. Through the WACTpreneur programme, participants have been equipped with practical skills to build sustainable businesses that can positively impact their families and communities,” Obienyem said.
Obienyem stressed that WACT–APM Terminals Nigeria is confident that the skills acquired through the programme will enable the graduates to create jobs, expand their businesses, and serve as role models for entrepreneurship within their communities.
“We acknowledge Dufy Global Enterprise for their role in delivering the training and mentorship,” Obienyem added.
Also affirming commitment to the WACTpreneur programme, the Principal Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Dufy Global Enterprise, Victor Akubor, said, “Our collaboration with WACT reflects a shared commitment to empowering entrepreneurs with practical knowledge that drives long-term success. We are proud of the progress made by the beneficiaries and look forward to seeing their businesses thrive.”
Speaking on WACT’s broader commitment, the Community Relations Manager, Justin Okwuofu, reaffirmed the organisation’s long-term focus on sustainable impact.
“At WACT, our approach to community development is centred on empowerment and sustainability. Programmes like WACTPRENEUR are designed to equip people with skills that create lasting value, strengthen local economies, and improve quality of life in our host communities,” Okwuofu said.
He added that WACT plans to launch the sixth cohort of WACTpreneur by February 2026, continue its scholarship programme, maintain the solar energy systems at the Primary Health Care Centres, and develop a master plan for community projects in its host communities.
Community leaders from Onne and Ogu commended WACT for its sustained investment in people-focused development initiatives.
The Onne Community Development Committee Chairman, Godfrey Maate, said, “This is not just an occasion but an epoch-making one. WACT has consistently demonstrated a genuine commitment to our community, not only through infrastructure projects but also by empowering our people with skills that promote self-reliance and economic growth.”
WACT–APM Terminals operates within the Oil and Gas Free Zone at the Onne Ports, Rivers State. Over the years, it has evolved into the most efficient gateway for markets outside Lagos, serving as a critical trade hub for Eastern Nigeria and beyond. These awards reflect WACT’s commitment to recognising customers who have demonstrated resilience, innovation, and partnership in shaping the future of trade.
