Abuja Pastor Kneels, Urges Minister Not to Allocate Jabi Lake Land

In a heartfelt plea that resonated across Abuja, Pastor Sarah Omakwu of the Family Worship Centre has urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to preserve the Jabi Lake recreation area for public use. Appearing in a video where she knelt, Omakwu implored the minister not to yield this vital public space to private developers, highlighting its significance as a hub for exercise, social interaction, and community gatherings.

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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 appeal underscores a growing concern among residents about the gradual erosion of public spaces in the capital. She noted that while acknowledging the minister's commendable efforts in infrastructure development, particularly road networks that have eased commutes, the preservation of Jabi Lake remains a critical issue for the well-being of Abuja's populace. Her plea, made in the name of God, emphasizes the deep emotional and communal value residents place on such areas.

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That is where people go for exercise… where people meet and hobnob… where young people go to.

The FCT Administration's plans to transform Jabi Lake into a tourism and recreation hub through private partnerships, while aimed at boosting economic activity, have clearly sparked apprehension. Pastor Omakwu's intervention, from a position of maternal concern for the city's shared spaces, highlights the tension between development goals and the preservation of public amenities that define Abuja's character. Her message is a powerful reminder that development must also serve the community's immediate needs for open, accessible spaces.

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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.