WACT–APM Terminals Nigeria has graduated 600 beneficiaries from the fourth and fifth cohorts of its WACTpreneur programme, underscoring its commitment to sustainable community development and inclusive economic growth in its host communities of Onne and Ogu.
The graduation ceremony brought together beneficiaries, community leaders, implementation partners and WACT representatives to mark the completion of six months of intensive entrepreneurship training and mentorship.
Speaking on behalf of the Managing Director, WACT’s Senior People Business Partner, Chinelo Obienyem, congratulated the graduates on their dedication and urged them to apply their new skills to grow their businesses and contribute to local economic development.
She described the occasion as a celebration of resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, noting that the programme equips participants with practical tools to build sustainable enterprises that benefit families and communities alike.
The WACTpreneur initiative focuses on strengthening small businesses through hands-on training in areas such as merchandising, customer relations, record keeping, supply chain management, access to finance, integrity in business and cash flow management.
Obienyem expressed confidence that the graduates would create jobs, expand their ventures and serve as role models, while acknowledging Dufy Global Enterprise for delivering the training and mentorship.
Victor Akubor, Principal Partner and CEO of Dufy Global Enterprise, said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to empowering entrepreneurs with practical knowledge for long-term success and praised the progress made by participants.
Community leaders from Onne and Ogu commended WACT for its sustained investment in people-centred development. Godfrey Maate, Chairman of the Onne Community Development Committee, described the graduation as a landmark moment, highlighting WACT’s consistent support for both infrastructure and skills-based empowerment.
A leader from Ogu similarly noted that the programme has delivered tangible improvements to livelihoods and praised the company’s continued engagement.
During the event, WACT also outlined other ongoing initiatives in its host communities, including scholarships for 141 beneficiaries, vocational training for youths, agricultural programmes, women and girls’ empowerment projects, renewable energy support for health centres, and infrastructure developments such as drainage construction and recycling facilities.
Reaffirming WACT’s long-term focus, Community Relations Manager Justin Okwuofu said the organisation’s approach centres on empowerment and sustainability.
He added that plans are underway to launch the sixth cohort of WACTpreneur by February 2026, alongside the continuation of scholarships, maintenance of solar energy systems at primary healthcare centres and the development of a comprehensive master plan for community projects.