West Africa Container Terminal (WACT)-APM Terminals Nigeria has expanded its educational support initiative with the award of scholarships to 52 new beneficiaries, comprising 47 students from its host communities and 5 children of employees, bringing the total number of beneficiaries under the WACT Scholarship Scheme to 193.

The scholarship award ceremony was attended by the WACT management team, the Country Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, community leaders from WACT’s host communities, parents, guardians, employees and student beneficiaries.

The event highlighted WACT’s commitment to educational advancement and youth empowerment through sustained investments in people and communities.

At the ceremony, WACT Managing Director, Courage Obadagbonyi, described the scholarship programme as an investment in the future of the students and the communities they represent.

He noted: “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.

“The singular fact that you are here as a beneficiary of the WACT Scholarship Scheme is a testament that you are not only intelligent but also diligent and dedicated to your studies.”

Obadagbonyi congratulated the beneficiaries for their academic achievements and commended their parents and guardians for supporting their educational journeys, adding that the event marked the fifth edition of the scholarship award ceremony since the launch of WACT’s transformation initiatives in 2021, which strengthened engagement with host communities through the pillars of Transparency, Visibility and Inclusivity.
According to him, the scheme has recorded significant success over the years, producing several first-class graduates and creating opportunities for young people to pursue their academic aspirations. Some of these graduates are currently in our employment.

The managing director challenged the scholars to remain focused and demonstrate that the company’s investment in their education is worthwhile.

Also, he highlighted other educational support initiatives, including the WACT Internship Programme, which provides scholars with workplace experience, and the WACT EngineerHER Programme, a one-year development initiative designed to equip female graduates with practical skills and industry exposure.

The Country CEO of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke described the scholarship scheme as one of the company’s most impactful social sustainability initiatives, noting that investing in education aligns with the organisation’s broader purpose of facilitating trade and supporting national development.

He said: “This is one of the social sustainability programmes that we do in Nigeria that I am most proud of because it goes back to the core of what we want to do as a company.

“What we are really doing is helping nations succeed. We do that by facilitating trade, but none of this is going to work if we don’t have the talent to do the job.”

He explained that while APM Terminals facilitate global trade through its operations, long-term success depends on developing talents who can drive economic growth.
Klinke added: “The scholarship scheme is helping nurture future talent from the communities where the company operates and creating opportunities for young people to excel.

“We believe very strongly that our role as a business is to be in harmony with the society around us. The dialogue we have developed over the last 20 years of operation has really supported that.”

He further expressed pride in WACT’s leadership journey, noting the significance of having the company’s first Nigerian Managing Director.

Community representatives praised WACT for its continued investment in education and youth development.
On behalf of the Ogu community, WACT Ogu Community Liaison Officer,
Adolphus Dasetima, commended the company for sustaining the scholarship programme and extending opportunities to employees’ children.

He explained: “I know it’s not easy out there. That is why the management of WACT deemed it fit to do this.”

Also, Chairman of the Onne Community Development Committee (CDC), Godfrey Maate rhanked WACT for its support to young people through education.

He said: “It is worthwhile walking into this environment and knowing that we have a stake here. Thank you for the scholarship.”

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