The Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre, Abuja, Sarah Omakwu, has appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, not to allocate the Jabi Lake recreation area for private development.

In a video that has since gone viral, the cleric was seen kneeling while making a passionate plea to the minister, urging him to preserve the popular recreational site for public use rather than handing it over for commercial purposes.

Omakwu described Jabi Lake as a vital public space that serves as a major leisure and social hub for residents of the Federal Capital Territory. She noted that the area is frequently used by families, youths, and visitors for relaxation, exercise, and community activities.

According to her, converting the space for private development would deprive Abuja residents of one of the city’s most important recreational environments.

That is where people go for exercise… where young people go to… I beg you, Mr Minister, in the name of God, as a mother, not to give that land to anybody,” she said.

While making her appeal, the pastor also commended the FCT Minister for ongoing infrastructural developments across Abuja, acknowledging improvements in roads and urban renewal projects under his administration.

However, she maintained that Jabi Lake should be protected strictly as a public recreational asset. The appeal comes amid reports suggesting that the FCT Administration may be considering partnerships with private developers to upgrade and transform the Jabi Lake area into a tourism and commercial recreation hub.

Jabi Lake remains one of Abuja’s most popular leisure destinations, attracting residents and tourists for boating, relaxation, and outdoor activities.

As of the time of filing this report, the FCT Administration had not issued an official response to the pastor’s appeal.