The West Africa Container Terminal has awarded scholarships to 50 beneficiaries under its annual scholarship scheme.
According to the terminal operator, in a statement on Wednesday, the WACT Scholarship Scheme awards scholarships to undergraduate students drawn from its host communities of Onne and Ogu in Rivers State.
“So far, no fewer than 100 students from the two communities have benefited from the scheme worth over N60m,” it stated.
Speaking during the scholarship award and presentation ceremony at Onne Port, Rivers State, the Managing Director of WACT, Jeethu Jose, congratulated the beneficiaries.
He said the scheme was a tool to identify, nurture, and attract talents from the host communities.
“I wish to start by congratulating the students here for receiving the WACT scholarship award. I know how rigorous the process was; your emergence as beneficiaries of the scholarship is a testament to not only your intelligence but also your hard work and dedication to your studies,” he said.
He noted that the scheme demonstrated the company’s involvement in strengthening the country’s education system and supporting students to achieve their potential.
According to the WACT boss, to ensure WACT leaves a lasting impact on the indigenes of its host communities, the company reorganised its relationship with the host communities on the three pillars of transparency, visibility, and inclusivity.
The Chairman of the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief Adokiye Chuku, expressed appreciation to WACT for impacting the lives of indigenous members of the community.
“We are going through a tough time and for you to have done this, it is a great relief for us and youth restiveness will come down to its minimum level,” he enthused.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Adolphus Ibikinibari said, “On behalf of myself and other candidates that participated in the West Africa Container Terminal Award, I sincerely want to say thank you to the terminal operator for giving us this opportunity and for your generosity and commitment to education.”