WACT– APM Terminals Nigeria has graduated additional 600 beneficiaries from the fourth and fifth cohorts of WACTpreneur programme as part of its commitment to sustainable community development and inclusive economic growth across its host communities in Rivers State.
The company said in a statement on Sunday that they were equipped with practical skills to build sustainable businesses that can positively impact their families and communities.
The graduation ceremony brought together programme beneficiaries, community leaders from their host communities, Onne and Ogu, implementation partners, and WACT representatives to celebrate the successful completion of six months of intensive entrepreneurship training and mentorship.
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 and further encouraged the graduates to apply the knowledge gained to grow their enterprises and contribute to local economic development.
According to her, the WACTpreneur programme was 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.
She said: “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.
“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.”
Also affirming the commitment to the WACTpreneur programme, the Principal Partner/CEO, Dufy Global Enterprise, Victor Akubor said the collaboration with WACT reflects a shared commitment to empowering entrepreneurs with practical knowledge that drives long-term success.
He added: “We are proud of the progress made by the beneficiaries and look forward to seeing their businesses thrive.”
According to the Onne Community Development Committee Chairman, Godfrey Maate, “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.”
During the ceremony, WACT highlighted other ongoing initiatives in their host communities, Onne and Ogu including scholarships for 141 beneficiaries, paint production and painting skills training for 40 youths (renovation of 10 classrooms and teachers’ quarters, agricultural training also known as Strategies for Food Security programme, empowerment of over 3500 girls and 250 women through eco-friendly sanitary pad and reusable diaper production training, and continuous maintenance of the 10kVA solar energy system at the 2 Model Primary Health Care Centres, drive-way to the health care centre in Onne, plastic recycling centre in Onne and an ongoing construction of 713 meters drainage in Onne.
