Sarah Omakwu, Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre, Abuja, has appealed to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), not to allocate the Jabi Lake Recreation Area for private development, saying the land should remain accessible to the public.
Omakwu made the appeal in a video shared on her Instagram page on Sunday, where she was seen kneeling on the pulpit while addressing 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 said.
Highlighting the park’s role in the lives of residents, she added: “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.”
The cleric also expressed concern over shrinking public access to open spaces in the capital, citing past restrictions around Aso Rock.
“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,” she stated.
Her comments come months after the FCT Administration under Wike signed agreements with private firms to transform the Jabi Lake facility into a major recreational and tourism hub.
In February, the administration entered into a development partnership with Suburban Broadband Limited and Akida Hills Limited to upgrade the site as part of efforts to boost leisure and economic activities in Abuja.
