\n\n
Senior pastor of Family Worship Centre, Sarah Omakwu, has made an emotional appeal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, urging him not to allocate the Jabi Lake Recreation Area for private development. In a viral video shared online, the cleric was seen kneeling while speaking, stressing that she could not confront the minister but chose to plead as “a mother in the land.” 
Omakwu described Jabi Lake as a vital public space used for exercise, social gatherings, business activities, and community events, warning that converting it for private use would deprive residents of one of Abuja’s few accessible recreational centres. She emphasized that the area serves people across different social groups and should remain open to everyone. 
Her appeal comes amid plans by the Federal Capital Territory Administration to partner with private firms to redevelop the area into a tourism hub, a move authorities say is aimed at boosting economic activity. While acknowledging Wike’s infrastructure achievements—especially road projects—Omakwu urged him to reconsider the plan and preserve the lake for public use. 
