West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) in Onne recently celebrated a significant milestone as the first cohort of its scholarship program graduated successfully.

In an interview, Justin Okwuofu, WACT’s Community Relations Manager, shared insights into the initiative, which was launched three years ago to provide educational opportunities for underprivileged youth in Onne and Ogu, two communities in Rivers State, Nigeria. “Through this program, we’ve awarded scholarships to 100 students, enabling them to attend university and acquire the skills necessary for successful careers,” he stated. Okwuofu also highlighted that many scholarship recipients have been offered internship opportunities, which serve as a training ground, hoping that the best candidates will eventually find employment within WACT.

Discussing WACT’s ongoing commitment to the scholarship program, Okwuofu emphasized the positive impact it has had on graduates’ lives. “We’ve been deeply inspired by their testimonies about how this program has transformed their futures, opening doors they never imagined possible.” To ensure the program’s sustainability, he mentioned that WACT is actively seeking partnerships with local businesses to provide internships and job placement support for graduates.

“Looking ahead, we’re dedicated to enhancing our community engagement. We plan to expand the scholarship program to support more students in need, and we’re also considering developing vocational training initiatives and community outreach programs,” he added. “Our goal is to be a genuine partner and advocate for the people we serve, working collaboratively to foster lasting, positive change. We appreciate the support of our community and are eager to continue this vital work in the future.”

Taribo Samuel, a scholarship recipient from Ogu, expressed his gratitude to WACT for the opportunities provided.

Sunday Dudu, Chairman of the Onne Community Development Committee, praised the scholarship program, calling it commendable and essential for addressing the financial challenges students face. He urged WACT to consider hiring some of the graduates after their studies.

Bara Thompson, Chairman of the Ogu Community Development Committee, also acknowledged WACT’s positive impact on the Ogu community through initiatives like scholarships and internships, reinforcing the idea of ongoing collaboration between the community and the company.