WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria, a prominent terminal operator, has significantly broadened its scholarship program, extending educational opportunities to 49 more deserving students from its host communities of Onne and Ogu in Rivers State, Nigeria. This expansion includes the children of two company employees, demonstrating a commitment to both the community and its internal workforce. The scholarships encompass a range of disciplines and are tenable at various prestigious universities and polytechnics across Nigeria. With this addition, the total number of students benefiting from the WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria scholarship program has reached a commendable 146, highlighting the company’s sustained investment in education and community development.
The scholarship presentation ceremony was marked by a sense of pride and accomplishment. Frederik Klinke, the CEO of APM Terminals Nigeria, congratulated the newly selected scholars, emphasizing the competitive nature of the selection process. Klinke outlined the company’s community engagement strategy, built on the pillars of transparency, visibility, and inclusion. This framework aims to foster a mutually beneficial relationship where the success of the company is intertwined with the prosperity of its surrounding communities. He highlighted education as a critical area of focus, recognizing the transformative power it holds for individuals and communities. The scholarship program, therefore, serves as a tangible manifestation of the company’s commitment to improving and promoting education within Onne and Ogu. Klinke further underscored the compelling rationale behind the scholarship initiative, drawing from his extensive experience working in Nigeria. He noted the profound impact of financial constraints on the educational trajectories of many young people, a challenge the scholarship program directly addresses.
This scholarship initiative arose from a collaborative Community Needs Assessment conducted jointly by WACT and the communities. The assessment identified education as a priority area, leading to the establishment of the scholarship program as a means to empower youth and alleviate the financial burden on their families. The program not only supports students financially but also motivates them to excel academically, creating a ripple effect of positive change within the communities. By investing in these students’ education, WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria is investing in the future of its host communities, fostering a sense of shared growth and progress.
Jeethu Jose, Managing Director of WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria, echoed Klinke’s sentiments, describing the scholarship program as a strategic investment in the future. He envisioned the scholars as future leaders and contributors to their families, communities, the state, and Nigeria as a whole. The scholarship program is not merely financial aid; it is a comprehensive development initiative. It includes internship opportunities within the company, providing scholars with invaluable practical experience and preparing them for future careers. This hands-on experience offers a glimpse into the professional world and fosters a deeper understanding of the maritime industry. The company envisions these scholars potentially joining WACT or even the broader APM Terminals Group, further strengthening the connection between the company and its host communities.
To further enhance its commitment to youth development, WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria recently launched the ‘WACT EngineerHer’ Program. This innovative program provides intensive, on-the-job training specifically designed to equip female engineering graduates with the necessary skills and experience to flourish in the workforce. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to gender equality and empowering women in traditionally male-dominated fields, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The combined efforts of the scholarship program and the ‘WACT EngineerHer’ Program represent a comprehensive approach to human capital development, creating a pipeline of skilled and empowered individuals ready to contribute to the Nigerian economy.
The impact of WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria’s scholarship program is evident in the testimonials of its beneficiaries. Divine Nei Osaroei, one of the scholarship recipients, expressed sincere gratitude for the company’s generosity, commending both its commitment to education and the transparent selection process. The scholarship not only alleviates financial burdens but also instills a sense of motivation among the students, encouraging them to strive for academic excellence. The program’s positive influence extends beyond the individual scholars, reinforcing the company’s positive relationship with its host communities. Abdulrahman Hussaini, the Port Manager of Onne Port Complex, further emphasized the significance of this opportunity, encouraging the beneficiaries to maximize their potential and make not just their communities but also Nigeria proud. This sentiment highlights the broader impact of the scholarship program, contributing to the development of human capital and the progress of the nation as a whole. WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria has consistently demonstrated its commitment to its host communities through various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, with the scholarship program being a key component of its ongoing efforts to foster sustainable development and positive community relations.
