Abuja pastor kneels, begs FCT Minister to preserve Jabi Lake recreation area from private allocation

In a powerful display of advocacy, Pastor Sarah Omakwu of the Family Worship Centre has made an emotional appeal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, urging him to reconsider plans to allocate the Jabi Lake recreation area for private development. The Senior Pastor was seen kneeling in a widely circulated video, a gesture underscoring the deep concern among residents regarding the potential loss of a vital public space.

Pastor Omakwu stressed the significant social and economic value the Jabi Lake area holds for the community, serving as a crucial hub for leisure, business, and social activities. Her plea highlights a growing concern over the preservation of public spaces within the Federal Capital Territory. "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 stated, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

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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.

The appeal comes at a time when the FCT Administration is forging partnerships with private firms to upgrade the facility and enhance tourism. While acknowledging the importance of infrastructure development, Pastor Omakwu cautioned against measures that could restrict public access to cherished communal areas. Her message to Minister Wike was clear: "I beg you, Mr. Minister, in the name of God, as a mother, to not sell that land to anybody."

This situation reflects a broader tension between development initiatives and the community's desire to maintain accessible public spaces. The FCT, like many rapidly urbanizing areas, faces the challenge of balancing economic growth with the preservation of its social fabric and recreational assets. Pastor Omakwu's heartfelt plea serves as a potent reminder of the importance of public spaces in fostering community well-being and ensuring equitable access to amenities for all residents.

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I beg you, Mr. Minister, in the name of God, as a mother, to not sell that land to anybody.