…Pledges 5,000 Jobs for Rivers Youth Through Eco-Friendly Agriculture
By Tina Amanda
In a bid to promote environmental sustainability and economic empowerment, Dr. Douglas Fabeke has launched the Green City Project in Rivers State.
The initiative, aimed at fostering renewable energy integration and eco-friendly development, was unveiled during a summit organized by Global Entrepreneurship City Limited and the United Mission for Rural and Urban African Community Empowerment, in collaboration with the Liberation Movement for Good Governance.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Fabeke, the Executive Director of United Mission for Rural and Urban African Community Empowerment, emphasized that the project is designed to restore and conserve the environment in the Niger Delta, particularly in Ogoni, which has suffered from decades of pollution and resource exploitation.
According to him, the project aligns with Nigeria’s national sustainability and energy transition goals, setting a precedent for balancing economic growth with ecological preservation.
“We are taking a global step to see the possibility of restoring the decaying environment in Rivers State. With the degraded ecosystem in Ogoni, other communities in Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta reversing the effect of decayed pollution and exploitation.
“The Green City Project seeks to catalyze a renaissance of environmental stewardship, economic inclusivity, and holistic growth for the Niger Delta, Nigeria, and Africa as a whole. It is more than just an infrastructural endeavor—it is a movement to redefine progress and prosperity through sustainability and empowerment,” Fabeke stated.
He further revealed that the Green City, to be established in Tai Local Government Area, would be Africa’s first smart green city, integrating eco-friendly infrastructure, renewable energy solutions, efficient water use, and waste recycling systems.
As part of the initiative, Fabeke assured that the project would generate over 5,000 jobs for youth in Rivers State through eco-friendly agriculture and sustainable farming practices.
He stressed the importance of private-sector collaboration in tackling unemployment.
“We want to ensure that the youth are included in this vision. The government cannot do everything alone, but through partnerships, we can help implement government development agenda.”
The project will also introduce green technology products such as fuel-less motorcycles for commercial use, eco-friendly generators, fans, and water pumps.
Delivering the keynote address titled “Right Agriculture,” Turkey-based entrepreneur Dr. Muhammad Mubarique underscored the need for African countries to embrace sustainable farming to combat food insecurity.
“It’s not just about getting a degree to seek employment. We must focus on job creation through entrepreneurship. Africa has the potential to become the world’s food basket if we promote innovation in agriculture.”
He criticized the excessive use of chemical fertilizers like NPK and Urea, warning that they degrade soil quality and pose health risks.
“Excessive chemicals destroy the land and increase infant mortality rates. We must adopt eco-friendly farming methods such as organic agriculture, which guarantees food security, preserves the environment, and prevents land degradation.”
The event also featured musical and dance performances, as well as an Award of Excellence presentation to Dr Douglas Fabeke for his notable contributions towards sustainable development.
The Green City Project is expected to set a precedent for sustainable development in Nigeria and across Africa, balancing economic growth with environmental preservation while promoting a more equitable society.
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