“‘I Go on My Knees’: Abuja Pastor Urges Wike to Preserve Jabi Lake”

Sarah Omakwu, Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre in Abuja, has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to halt plans to allocate the Jabi Lake Recreation Area for private development.

In a video posted on Instagram on Sunday, the cleric knelt as she passionately appealed 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 said.

Omakwu described the location as a key public space for recreation and social engagement, stressing its importance to residents.

“That is where people go for exercise… where people meet and hobnob… where young people go to,” she said.

She also expressed concern over the shrinking number of accessible public spaces in Abuja, pointing to Aso Rock as an example.

“I can’t fight you. But I can beg you in the name of God Almighty that that land be left for everybody,” she added.

Despite her concerns, the pastor praised Wike’s infrastructure efforts, particularly road projects that have improved movement across the city.

“I want to thank you for all the highways you have built around the city… You have made my journey to my home a whole lot easier… But for this piece of land, I beg you, let it go,” she said.

The appeal follows moves by the FCTA to partner with private companies, including Suburban Broadband Limited and Akida Hills Limited, to redevelop Jabi Lake into a tourism and economic hub.

Wike had earlier said the project was intended to enhance Abuja’s appeal as a destination for leisure, hospitality and investment.

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