Port Operator Scholarship Beneficiaries Rise To 193 As 52 Students Get New Awards

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 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 underscored WACT’s commitment to educational advancement and youth empowerment through sustained investment in people and host communities.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Managing Director of WACT, Courage Obadagbonyi, described the scholarship programme as a strategic 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.”

Obadagbonyi congratulated the beneficiaries on their academic achievements and commended their parents and guardians for supporting their educational pursuits.

“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 scholarship scheme has continued to deliver impressive results, producing several first-class graduates while opening up opportunities for young people to pursue their academic ambitions. He added that some of the graduates are now employed by the company.

“Today, we are welcoming 52 new beneficiaries into the scheme, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 193.”

The managing director urged the beneficiaries to remain focused and justify the company’s investment in their education. He also highlighted other educational 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.

Also speaking, the country CEO of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke, described the scholarship scheme as one of the company’s most impactful social sustainability initiatives, stressing that investment in education aligns with its broader goal 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 although APM Terminals facilitates global trade through its operations, long-term success depends on developing skilled talents capable of driving 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.”

Klinke added that the scholarship scheme is helping to nurture future talent from the communities where the company operates while 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.”

The country CEO 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 sustaining its investment in education and youth development.

Speaking on behalf of the Ogu community, WACT Ogu Community Liaison Officer, Adolphus Dasetima, commended the company for maintaining the scholarship scheme and extending the initiative 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 urged the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity and become worthy ambassadors of both the company and their communities.

Chairman of the Onne Community Development Committee (CDC), Godfrey Maate, also appreciated WACT for its continued support for education and youth development.

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

Maate also acknowledged the impact of the WACT EngineerHER Programme and encouraged the company to sustain its educational and community development initiatives.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mbombom Lawrence Obariayime expressed appreciation to WACT and its management for creating educational opportunities for students from the 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, noting that excelling in the scholarship selection process required commitment and hard work.

The beneficiaries and their families expressed gratitude to WACT for the support, describing the scholarships as a significant boost toward achieving their educational goals while easing the financial burden of higher education.