Empowering Communities: The WACTpreneur Initiative’s Impact on Local Livelihoods
The West Africa Container Terminal-APM Terminals Nigeria (WACT) has embarked on a transformative journey to empower its host communities through the WACTpreneur initiative, a capacity-building program designed to equip local entrepreneurs with essential business management skills. This initiative, a testament to WACT’s commitment to community development, has already witnessed the graduation of over 500 beneficiaries, predominantly women, from the Onne and Ogu communities. WACTpreneur’s focus aligns perfectly with the company’s core CSR pillar of training and development, reflecting their dedication to fostering economic resilience and sustainable growth in the region. The program goes beyond simply providing handouts; it equips participants with the tools to become self-sufficient, contributing members of their communities.
WACTpreneur is structured as a comprehensive six-month training and mentorship program, delivered in batches, accommodating a growing number of participants. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of critical business management topics, including merchandising, customer relations, supply chain management, record-keeping, credit sales, sources of finance, business ethics, and cash flow management. This holistic approach ensures participants gain a well-rounded understanding of the intricacies involved in running a successful business. The program not only provides theoretical knowledge but also emphasizes practical application, empowering participants to navigate real-world challenges. This commitment to practical application is particularly valuable for the predominantly female participants, many of whom may have limited prior formal business training.
The impact of WACTpreneur extends beyond the individual participants. By fostering entrepreneurial spirit, the program contributes to the overall economic development of the region. As graduates launch and grow their businesses, they create job opportunities, generate income, and contribute to the economic vitality of their communities. This ripple effect transforms WACTpreneur from a localized training program into a catalyst for regional prosperity. It’s a sustainable model of community development, investing in human potential to achieve long-term economic growth.
WACT’s leadership has expressed unwavering support for the initiative, emphasizing its long-term vision and strategic importance. Jeethu Jose, Managing Director of WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria, views WACTpreneur as an investment in the future of the host communities, envisioning a deeper integration of WACT into the fabric of local life. This sentiment is further reinforced by the dedication of WACT staff, who actively participate in the training and mentorship program. Chinelo Obienyem, Senior People Business Partner at WACT-APM Terminals, highlights the transformative power of the program, emphasizing that participants have gained essential skills to navigate the complexities of small business management.
The initiative has been met with enthusiastic praise from community leaders, who recognize its significant contribution to local livelihoods. Barr. Christiana Tamunobereton-Ari, Vice Chairperson of the Ogu/Bolo Community, commends WACT for empowering participants with not just the means to earn a living but also the skills to sustain themselves long-term. This empowerment builds self-reliance and promotes a sense of ownership within the community. The analogy of “teaching how to fish” aptly captures the essence of WACTpreneur, transforming participants from recipients of aid to self-sufficient entrepreneurs.
WACT’s commitment to community development goes beyond WACTpreneur. The company is actively involved in various impactful projects within the Onne community, earning widespread recognition for its dedication to fostering local development. Chief Sunday Dudu, Community Development Committee Chairman of Onne, Eleme LGA, lauds WACT’s significant contributions, highlighting the company’s close association with development in the region. Justin Okwuofu, Community Relations Manager at WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria, emphasizes the collaborative nature of the program, explaining how a needs assessment conducted in conjunction with community members led to the development of WACTpreneur. This collaborative approach ensures the program’s relevance and responsiveness to the specific needs of the communities it serves.
In conclusion, the WACTpreneur initiative is more than a capacity-building program; it is a testament to WACT’s dedication to community development, fostering economic resilience, and empowering individuals to become agents of change in their own communities. The program’s focus on equipping participants with essential business skills, fostering entrepreneurial spirit, and promoting the creation of employment opportunities has a transformative impact on the local economy. WACT’s sustained commitment and collaborative approach, including the active involvement of community members and leaders, ensures that the program’s benefits are broad-reaching and sustainable. The WACTpreneur initiative stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the powerful potential of community-focused development initiatives to drive positive change and create a brighter future for all.
