The Jos Green Centre is raising awareness about eco-friendly businesses and renewable energy solutions.
Jos, Nigeria–After a series of fruitless job interviews, Asor John’s dream of working in a newsroom was fading fast. By 2009, five years after his university graduation, John pivoted to starting a small laundry business in his hometown of Gwarandok.
Earlier this year, John’s pastor informed him of a life-changing opportunity: “My pastor told me he had put my name and nine others down for a training session with the Jos Green Centre, starting in March,” John recalls.
John, along with 36 others from the Gwarandok community in Jos South, participated in a month-long training program focused on smart agriculture and waste recycling. “After the training, we were given seedlings and encouraged to start practical farming as a group,” he says.
Building Sustainable Solutions
Despite the hurdles of water scarcity, the group’s hard work turned a barren plot of church-donated land into a flourishing community garden.
“We had a bountiful harvest,” shares Shalom Nanpon, one of the group members, her voice brimming with pride. “It was such a joy to sell some of the produce and share the rest among ourselves. I’ve also learnt to recycle wood into healthier charcoal, which has been a game-changer for me.”
For Dakut Joyce, the initiative introduced innovative farming techniques that defy traditional land constraints. “We learnt how to maximise small spaces for farming, like planting crops in sacks,” she says. “It’s been very productive, though water scarcity remains a challenge we are working to overcome.”
These efforts have transformed more than just a patch of land. As Nanpon puts it, “The garden is not just a source of food and income; it’s a symbol of hope and possibility for youths in Gwarandok.”
The Jos Green Centre (JGC) was born in 2015 during a one-day study session titled “A Hangout with the Desert Warriors,” organised by Tearfund Nigeria. According to team leader Fwangmun Oscar Danladi, the event drew 50 youths to discuss Nigeria’s environmental and social challenges.
The session evolved into a 10-week study, during which the group envisioned an eco-friendly, youth-driven initiative. “We wanted young people to be at the forefront of creating solutions,” says Danladi.
The involvement of renowned environmentalist Newton Jibunor, also known as the “Desert Warrior” for his anti-desertification campaigns, proved pivotal. “Newton Jibunor mentored us, and that sparked a collective resolve to take action,” Danladi explains.
Initially, JGC focused on city clean-ups in partnership with the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB). One memorable discovery was a pile of discarded banners, which inspired the group to recycle them into shopping bags.
Expanding Impact
JGC’s influence now spans northern Nigeria, with over 1,000 trained youths forming networks in their respective states. “In Adamawa, we helped establish the ‘Yola Renewal Foundation,’ and we’ve facilitated training for groups in Maiduguri and the Christian Council Network,” Danladi says.
JGC operates as a collaborative network rather than a centralised organisation, fostering shared ownership and inclusivity among its members. “This model emphasises mutual accountability and sustainability,” Danladi adds.
The centre’s innovative efforts have earned numerous accolades, including the 2020 Green Heroes Award for its “Rethinking Urban Green Spaces” initiative.
JGC’s approach reflects its core belief: Nigeria’s youth are its greatest asset. The centre aims to dismantle narratives that undervalue young people by showcasing their ability to lead and innovate for sustainable change.
For John and his peers, the experience has been transformative.“I’ve learnt to make the most of what I have and find solutions to my problems,” he says. “With or without a job, I can do better.”
As JGC expands its reach, its mission remains clear: empowering young Nigerians to redefine their futures,
The Jos Green Centre (JGC) is an eco-friendly initiative focused on empowering young Nigerians through sustainable solutions and renewable energy. Originating in 2015, JGC emerged from a study session by Tearfund Nigeria that inspired the youth to address environmental and social challenges in Nigeria. The involvement of renowned environmentalist Newton Jibunor, known as the "Desert Warrior," was pivotal, igniting a commitment to proactive environmental action.
JGC has grown into a network that spans northern Nigeria, training over 1,000 youths, and supporting groups like the 'Yola Renewal Foundation.' The organization is a collaborative network, encouraging shared ownership and a sustainable impact. JGC's initiatives include recycling and smart agriculture, with projects turning barren land into community gardens and teaching innovative farming techniques.
The success stories reflect JGC's influence on individuals like Asor John, who, after missing out on traditional employment opportunities, found a new path through JGC, learning sustainable farming and recycling. The centre underscores Nigeria's youth as vital assets, aiming to dismantle narratives undervaluing young people by empowering them to innovate and lead change.
