By Benue Info-pedia Editorial Desk 

U H I N A, Nasarawa State — Entrepreneur Jime Patrick Saater has called on business owners, community leaders and political stakeholders to invest more in vocational skills and apprenticeship, arguing that practical economic opportunities for young people are essential to long-term community development.

Saater made the call at the Mdzough U Tiv Mega Congress held on October 17, 2026, at Uhina, Giza Development Area, Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

Speaking to Benue Info-pedia after the event, Saater said communities should place greater emphasis on equipping young people with practical skills instead of concentrating primarily on immediate political benefits.

He said he observed that proceedings were repeatedly paused to allow political aspirants who arrived at the gathering to address attendees. According to him, the experience raised questions about the priorities of community gatherings and the attention given to long-term development.

Saater argued that established business owners and influential community members should take a more active role in helping young people acquire skills, establish businesses and become economically independent.

Apprenticeship as a Pathway to Opportunity

Drawing on his personal experience, Saater said he spent six years learning motorcycle mechanics, spare-parts sales and engine-oil trading in Gboko, Benue State.

He said his experience demonstrated the value of apprenticeship in providing practical knowledge and preparing young people for business. He also highlighted discipline, obedience and the transfer of knowledge as important aspects of the training process.

Saater urged parents to encourage young people to learn vocational skills, noting that opportunities in trades such as carpentry, plumbing, fashion design, barbering and shoemaking could provide alternative routes to employment and self-reliance.

He proposed that political aspirants and other stakeholders identify skilled tradespeople, support their businesses and encourage them to train additional apprentices.

Under this approach, he argued, investment in a relatively small number of skilled workers could create opportunities for more young people through structured training and mentorship.

Saater also expressed concern about what he described as insufficient support among Tiv people for businesses owned by members of their community. He maintained that stronger patronage and cooperation could help local enterprises grow.

Turning the Proposal into Action

The entrepreneur linked the need for vocational training to concerns about youth unemployment and insecurity, arguing that expanding access to productive work could help reduce some of the economic pressures confronting young people.

However, the extent to which apprenticeship initiatives can address these challenges depends on their design, accessibility, sustainability and ability to produce measurable outcomes.

Saater said he hopes to see his experience in motorcycle mechanics, spare-parts sales and engine-oil trading inform efforts to expand vocational training and mentorship opportunities for young people.
Turning the proposal into a practical initiative would require further planning, including identifying potential trainees, participating businesses, funding and training arrangements.

For Saater, the central message is that sustainable community progress requires investment in people, practical skills and opportunities that can benefit future generations.