228
West African Container Terminal, a subsidiary of APM Terminals Nigeria, has renovated and handed over a 10-room Teachers’ Quarters to its host community of Ogu in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State. The renovated facility, which was officially commissioned and handed over on Wednesday, is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to support education and community development in the Niger Delta region.
According to a statement released by the terminal operator, the project is a continuation of its long-standing social responsibility programme in Rivers State. The company explained that the Teachers’ Quarters was originally built in 2012 as part of its investment in education infrastructure but had become worn out after years of use. With the renovation, the facility now provides teachers with more modern, comfortable, and conducive accommodation, thereby improving their living conditions.
The company noted that the project falls under its thematic focus on education and infrastructure development. It added that the initiative was designed to give teachers decent and affordable accommodation, which is expected to boost their morale, encourage them to remain in the community, and improve the overall standard of education in Ogu.
The Chief Finance Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Mr. Courage Obadagbonyi, described the project as a reflection of the company’s corporate social responsibility. He said the facility upgrade was important because teachers play a critical role in shaping the lives of students, and without comfortable housing, their productivity may be affected.
“Education is at the core of what we preach in West African Container Terminal and our parent company, APM Terminals Group. The renovated facility reaffirms our commitment to CSR projects that benefit host communities. We believe teachers must be well taken care of. If they are not in the right frame of mind, the impact on the students will be minimal. With the rising cost of accommodation, this project provides shelter and peace of mind for teachers in Ogu. It is our hope that this will help them give their best to the students, the Ogu community, and the larger society. Our commitment to growing side by side with the Ogu community remains the foundation of our CSR initiatives,” Obadagbonyi said.
The Community Relations Manager of WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria, Mr. Justin Okwuofu, also explained that the facility was first built in 2012 to provide accommodation for teachers working in Ogu. However, after over a decade, the structure became dilapidated and required urgent renovation. He said the company undertook the rehabilitation to restore the building and make it suitable for teachers again.
“This project was built in the year 2012 to assist teachers who were teaching in the community to have a good residence. Over the years, it became dilapidated, and we felt the need to intervene so that teachers would have a conducive living environment. We have upgraded the facility and added modern features to make it more comfortable. With this project, we believe teacher retention in the community will improve, and that will have a direct impact on the students,” Okwuofu explained.
In his goodwill message during the handover, the Secretary of the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief Lawrence Tokuibiye Ogobo-Inuma, thanked WACT for the renovation. He said the project was a timely intervention that would contribute to educational growth and community stability.
“We want to appreciate WACT. They are one of the companies that have never taken their CSR projects for granted. Their presence has been strongly felt in our community. They have empowered our youths, supported women, and embarked on several projects in Ogu. This particular project will create a lasting impact, as it will help teachers focus better on their work. When teachers are comfortable, the students and the community will benefit,” he said.
West African Container Terminal operates inside the Oil and Gas Free Zone at Onne Ports in Rivers State. Over the years, the terminal has become one of the most efficient gateways for cargo movement outside Lagos, serving as a major trade hub for Eastern Nigeria and neighbouring markets. The company continues to combine its role in trade facilitation with social development projects in its host communities.
This latest renovation is one of several CSR interventions by WACT in Rivers State, aimed at strengthening education, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the welfare of the people in its host community.
