WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria Expands Scholarship Scheme, Welcomes 52 New Beneficiaries
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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, held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, was attended by the WACT Management team, the Country CEO 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.
Speaking 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.
“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.”
Mr. Obadagbonyi congratulated the beneficiaries for their academic achievements and commended their parents and guardians for supporting their educational journeys.
“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.”
He noted 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.
“Today, we are welcoming 52 new beneficiaries into the scheme, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 193.”
The Managing Director challenged the scholars to remain focused and demonstrate that the company’s investment in their education is worthwhile. He also 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.
“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.”
He explained that while APM Terminals facilitates global trade through its operations, long-term success depends on developing talents who can drive economic growth.
“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.”
The Country CEO added that the scholarship scheme is helping nurture future talent from the communities where the company operates and creating opportunities for young people to excel.
He also commended the longstanding partnership between WACT and its host communities.
“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.
Speaking on behalf of the Ogu community, Adolphus Dasetima, WACT Ogu Community Liaison Officer, commended the company for sustaining the scholarship programme and extending opportunities to employees’ children.
“I know it’s not easy out there. That is why the management of WACT deemed it fit to do this.”
He encouraged the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity and serve as worthy ambassadors of the company and their communities.
Also speaking, Godfrey Maate, Chairman of the Onne Community Development Committee (CDC), thanked WACT for its support to young people through education.
“It is worthwhile walking into this environment and knowing that we have a stake here. Thank you for the scholarship.”
He also acknowledged the impact of the WACT EngineerHer Programme and encouraged the company to sustain its educational and community development initiatives.
Representing the beneficiaries, Mbombom Lawrence Obariayime expressed appreciation to WACT and its management for creating opportunities for students from Onne and Ogu communities.
“I want to appreciate the company and management for making it a mandate in their hearts to empower Onne and Ogu students with scholarship opportunities.”
He also congratulated the best-performing student in the cohort, Ejor Mirabel Emmanuel, and noted the effort required to succeed in the scholarship selection process.
The beneficiaries and their families expressed gratitude to WACT for their support, describing the scholarships as a significant contribution towards achieving their educational goals and easing the financial burden of higher education.
With the addition of 52 new beneficiaries, the WACT Scholarship Scheme continues to play a vital role in promoting academic excellence, developing local talent and creating opportunities for future leaders in its host communities and beyond.
