WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with one of its host communities, Onne, Eleme LGA, Rivers State to solidify its long-standing partnership.
The signing of this agreement underscores the unwavering commitment of WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria to foster sustainable development and cooperation in the community in which it operates.
Speaking at the event to mark the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement, the managing director, WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria, Jeethu Jose described the MoA as evolving and also stated that the MoA establishes a structured framework for collaboration on key initiatives, ensuring that the needs of the communities are addressed as agreed.
Jose further highlighted a few community initiatives which includes the donation of solar power to the Primary health care facility in the host community, a revamped scholarship programme that ensures no eligible and deserving student is denied access to quality education from next year, a diverse workforce which includes significant indigenes from its host communities, both male and female, reflecting inclusivity, the newly launched WACT EngineerHer Programme to train young female engineers for a period of one year, and an upcoming plastic recycling plant to deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits to the host communities.
The Community Relations manager, WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria, Justin Okwuofu addressed the audience on the MoA process between WACT and the community. He described the journey as participatory development and further encouraged the community to continue to support the company in carrying out future development initiatives.
“For everything we have been doing in the community, from that time to date, we have been carrying the community along. We want to encourage and plead for your potential support for us to be able to carry out other development initiatives we plan to carry out in the community,” he stressed.
Community leaders expressed optimism about the new agreement and encouraged the company to continue to support the community.
“WACT itself has demonstrated an act of pathfinding for other companies in Onne. They have made it possible that we should come and sit around to form a component of mutuality for progressive development between both host communities and the company,” said the Paramount Ruler of Onne- HRH King S.N Jiala, One-eh Onne.
Also speaking, the Community Development Committee chairman, Chief Sunday Dudu described the event as the first of its kind and appreciated WACT for what he termed, ‘setting the pace.’
The signing of the MoU marks a significant milestone in the relationship between WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria and its host communities, reinforcing a shared vision for a prosperous and sustainable future.
