By Esther Olaoluwa |
West Africa Container Terminal (WACT)-APM Terminals Nigeria has expanded its educational support initiative with the award of scholarships to 52 new beneficiaries, bringing the total number of students under the WACT Scholarship Scheme to 193.
The new beneficiaries comprise 47 students from the company’s host communities and five children of employees.
The scholarships were presented during the fifth edition of the WACT Scholarship Award Ceremony held on July 21, 2026. The event was attended by the company’s management, the Country CEO of APM Terminals Nigeria, community leaders, parents, employees and student beneficiaries.
WACT Reaffirms Commitment to Education
Speaking at the ceremony, the Managing Director of WACT, Courage Obadagbonyi, described the scholarship scheme as a strategic investment in education, youth development and the future of the company’s host communities.
According to him, the initiative is designed to empower young people to become responsible leaders and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities, Rivers State and Nigeria.
“This scholarship programme is aimed at empowering students to shine as leaders and contributors to their families, their communities, Rivers State and Nigeria at large,” he said.
Obadagbonyi congratulated the beneficiaries on their academic achievements and commended their parents and guardians for supporting their educational aspirations.
He noted that the scholarship programme has continued to record positive outcomes since it was introduced as part of the company’s community engagement strategy in 2021, producing several first-class graduates, some of whom are now employees of WACT.
According to him, the admission of 52 new beneficiaries has increased the total number of students benefiting from the scheme to 193.
He urged the beneficiaries to remain committed to their studies and maximise the opportunity provided through the scholarship programme.
The managing director also highlighted other educational initiatives introduced by the company, including the WACT Internship Programme, which provides practical workplace experience for scholarship beneficiaries, and the WACT EngineerHER Programme, a one-year development initiative designed to equip female graduates with technical skills and industry experience.
APM Terminals Highlights Importance of Talent Development
Also speaking, the Country CEO of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke, described the scholarship programme as one of the company’s most impactful social sustainability initiatives.
He said investment in education aligns with the company’s broader objective of facilitating trade while contributing to national development through human capital development.
According to Klinke, sustainable economic growth depends not only on infrastructure but also on developing skilled professionals capable of supporting business and industry.
He added that the scholarship scheme provides young people in host communities with opportunities to develop their potential while strengthening the future workforce.
Klinke also commended the longstanding relationship between WACT and its host communities, noting that the company’s operations have been strengthened through continuous engagement and collaboration over the years.
He further expressed satisfaction with WACT’s leadership development, highlighting the appointment of the company’s first Nigerian Managing Director as a significant milestone.
Community Leaders Commend Initiative
Community representatives praised WACT for sustaining its investment in education and youth empowerment.
Speaking on behalf of the Ogu community, the WACT Ogu Community Liaison Officer, Adolphus Dasetima, commended the company for maintaining the scholarship scheme and extending the programme to include children of employees.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity and become worthy ambassadors of their communities.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Onne Community Development Committee (CDC), Godfrey Maate, appreciated WACT for its continued support for education and community development.
He also acknowledged the impact of the WACT EngineerHER Programme and urged the company to sustain its educational initiatives.
Beneficiaries Express Appreciation
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mbombom Lawrence Obariayime expressed appreciation to WACT for creating educational opportunities for students from the Onne and Ogu communities.
He said the scholarship scheme would help ease the financial burden of higher education while encouraging academic excellence among young people.
The beneficiaries and their families also thanked the company for the support, describing the scholarships as a significant investment in their educational future and personal development.
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