Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre, Abuja, Sarah Omakwu, has appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to reconsider plans to allocate the Jabi Lake recreation area for private development.
In a video shared on her Instagram page on Sunday, Omakwu was seen kneeling on the pulpit as she made a passionate plea to the minister.
“I cannot fight the minister of the FCT. I cannot. But I go on my knees as a mother in this land that Jabi Lake Recreation Centre should not be given to anybody.”
She highlighted the importance of the space to residents, describing it as a key public hub for leisure, social interaction, and community activities.
“That is where people go for exercise. That is where people sell. That is where people meet and hobnob and get married. That is where people go to watch games. That is where young people go to.”
Omakwu also referenced concerns about loss of public access to certain parts of Abuja over the years, urging that Jabi Lake be preserved for everyone.
“I beg you, Mr Minister, in the name of God, as a mother, to not sell that land to anybody.”
She reiterated her appeal, stressing that the space should remain open to the public.
“I can’t fight you. But I can beg you in the name of God Almighty that that land be left for everybody. I beg you. Please heed our call.”
Despite her concerns, she also acknowledged and commended ongoing infrastructure development efforts in the Federal Capital Territory.
