The West Africa Container Terminal (WACT)-APM Terminals Nigeria has equiped over 500 people on
business management and entrepreneurship through its capacity building initiative, ‘WACTpreneur’ at Onne and Ogu communities in Rivers States.
WACTpreneur is a capacity-building programme designed to equip community members with essential skills in business management and entrepreneurship.
The initiative, which runs in batches, is aligned with one of WACT’s core CSR pillars—training and development and it is designed to equip local entrepreneurs with the tools and skills needed to launch and sustain viable businesses, contributing to economic resilience in the region.
The company’s Managing Director, Jeethu Jose noted that WACTpreneur was more than just training, saying that it was an investment in the future of our host communities.
He explained: “My dream is that WACT is in each and every heart and we touch each and every family in the coming years. I promise you, standing here on behalf of WACT and APM Terminals, the good work and the collaboration with the community will continue.”
Also, the company’s Senior People Business Partner, Chinelo Obienyem said that
the participants had gained essential skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of small business management.
He said: “This comprehensive training and mentorship program has equipped our graduates with the tools necessary to succeed in their businesses. Over six months, they covered critical topics such as merchandising, customer relations, supply chain management, record-keeping, credit sales, sources of finance, integrity in business, cash flow management, amongst many other topics.
“As you move forward, we encourage you to continue applying these valuable lessons to drive growth and success in your businesses. By so doing, we are confident that you will become beacons of success in the community, creating jobs, and driving economic growth.”
The Vice Chairperson of Ogu/Bolo, Barr. Christiana Tamunobereton-Ari lauded the impact of the programme on local livelihoods while also urging participants to maximise the training.
She said: “They did not just give us fish, they taught us how to catch the fish which is the skill. It now boils down to us. Please, use the skill which has been to you. We are reassuring WACT that we are going to reproduce what they have given to us.”
Also, the Community Development Committee Chairman, Onne, Eleme LGA, Chief Sunday Dudu praised WACT for their dedication to the development of the Onne Community.
According to him, WACT had become synonymous with development in Onne.
He added: “The company is doing tremendously well, and as we speak, several impactful projects are currently underway in the communit.”
Highlighting the purpose of the programme and the journey so far with the community, WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria Community Relations Manager, Justin Okwuofu said: “Following a needs assessment carried out together with some members of the community, we identified the need to build business management capacity in our host communities.
A new phase is set to begin, driven by growing interest and visible improvements in their local businesses.
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