Abuja pastor kneels, begs minister over Jabi Lake land

In Abuja, a heartfelt plea has emerged from the pulpit, with Pastor Sarah Omakwu of the Family Worship Centre taking a public stand against the potential privatization of the cherished Jabi Lake recreation area. Her appeal, delivered with profound humility as she knelt before her congregation and addressed Minister Nyesom Wike, underscores the deep communal value placed on this public space.

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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.

Omakwu’s message resonates with the everyday experiences of Abuja residents who utilize Jabi Lake for exercise, social gatherings, and even significant life events like weddings. Her reference to the gradual restriction of public access to areas like Aso Rock serves as a poignant reminder of how public amenities can be eroded over time, fueling anxieties about losing another vital community hub.

While acknowledging and appreciating the significant infrastructure advancements spearheaded by Minister Wike, including improved road networks, Omakwu’s plea highlights a critical tension between development goals and the preservation of public spaces. Her appeal is not a rejection of progress but a passionate advocacy for a balanced approach that prioritizes the well-being and accessibility for all citizens.

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

This situation in Abuja speaks to a broader conversation about urban development and the importance of public spaces in fostering community cohesion and quality of life. The pastor's intervention, framed within a spiritual and maternal appeal, elevates the issue beyond mere land allocation to a matter of communal heritage and public trust.

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I want to thank you for all the highways you have built around the city. I thank you. You have made my journey to my home a whole lot easier. Thank you for the other things you are doing. But for this piece of land, I beg you, let it go.