Entrepreneurship and Mentorship as Agents of Manpower Development: A Case Study of Igbo Foodstuffs Dealers Progressive Association, Itam, Itu Local Government, Nigeria.

Abstract

Mentorship is a pivotal mechanism for personal and professional development, particularly within entrepreneurial ecosystems. This study investigates the role of mentorship in manpower development, focusing on the Igbo Foodstuffs Dealers Progressive Association (IFDPA) in Etaha Itam Market, Itu LGA, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The Igbo apprenticeship model— where trainees undergo 5–10 years of structured mentorship before establishing independent enterprises—has significantly enhanced local economic growth. However, despite its success, low adoption among indigenous populations persists due to policy deficiencies in Nigeria’s educational and vocational training systems. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 120 market traders through questionnaires and interviews. Findings indicate that governmental disinterest in integrating skill-based curricula inhibits broader replication of this model. The study advocates for institutionalizing mentorship programs to mitigate unemployment and foster sustainable human capital development.

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