WACT– APM Terminals Nigeria has graduated an additional 600 beneficiaries from the fourth and fifth cohorts of its WACTpreneur programme, strengthening its commitment to sustainable community development and inclusive economic growth across its host communities.
The graduation ceremony brought together programme beneficiaries, community leaders from the host communities of Onne and Ogu, implementation partners, and representatives of to mark the successful completion of six months of intensive entrepreneurship training and mentorship.
Speaking at the event on behalf of the Managing Director, the Senior People Business Partner, Chinelo Obienyem, congratulated the graduates for their dedication and perseverance throughout the programme. She encouraged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the training to grow their enterprises and contribute meaningfully 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.
The WACTpreneur programme is designed to strengthen small businesses through hands-on training in key business areas such as merchandising, customer relations, record keeping, supply chain management, credit sales, sources of finance, integrity in business, and cash flow management. The initiative focuses on building practical capacity that can support long-term business growth.
“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. We acknowledge Dufy Global Enterprise for their role in delivering the training and mentorship,” Obienyem added.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Principal Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Dufy Global Enterprise, Victor Akubor, affirmed the organisation’s commitment to the WACTpreneur programme and its objectives.
“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,” Akubor said.
Community leaders from Onne and Ogu communities commended WACT for its sustained investment in people-focused development initiatives. According to the Chairman of the Onne Community Development Committee, Godfrey Maate, the programme represents a major milestone for the community.
“This is not just an occasion but an epoch-making one. WACT has consistently demonstrated genuine commitment to our community, not only through infrastructure projects but by empowering our people with skills that promote self-reliance and economic growth,” Maate said.
Similarly, a leader from the Ogu community described the programme as impactful. “The WACTPRENEUR Programme has provided real opportunities for our people to improve their livelihoods. We appreciate WACT for its continued engagement and support for community development,” said the Chairman, Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs.
During the event, WACT also highlighted other ongoing initiatives in its host communities, including scholarships for 141 beneficiaries, paint production and painting skills training for 40 youths with the renovation of 10 classrooms and teachers’ quarters, agricultural training under the Strategies for Food Security programme, and the empowerment of over 3,500 girls and 250 women through eco-friendly sanitary pad and reusable diaper production training.
Additional projects include the continuous maintenance of a 10kVA solar energy system at two model Primary Health Care Centres, construction of a driveway to the health care centre in Onne, establishment of a plastic recycling centre in Onne, and the ongoing construction of 713 meters of drainage in the community.
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 centered 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.
