By Our Correspondent

National News – Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre, Sarah Omakwu, has publicly appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to halt plans to allocate the Jabi Lake recreation zone for private development.

The plea, made in a viral video on Sunday, showed Omakwu kneeling on the pulpit, urging the minister to preserve the space for public use in Abuja.

Omakwu explained that the lake area serves multiple purposes for residents—exercise, social gatherings, small-scale trading, and relaxation.

She stressed that many young people depend on the open space for recreation and community bonding.

According to her, converting the land into a private project would limit access and disrupt livelihoods.

Addressing Wike directly, she acknowledged his authority and ongoing infrastructure projects across the capital but insisted that this particular location should remain untouched.

“I cannot fight you, but I can beg,” she said, highlighting her concerns as both a religious leader and a citizen.

She also referenced past restrictions around public access to areas like Aso Rock, warning against a repeat scenario.

The controversy comes months after the Federal Capital Territory Administration entered into agreements with private firms to upgrade Jabi Lake into a modern tourism and leisure hub.

Authorities say the move is aimed at boosting economic activity and repositioning Abuja as a top destination for recreation.

However, critics fear the development could prioritize profit over public interest.

Omakwu’s appeal reflects growing public sentiment calling for transparency and balance between urban development and community needs.

How the minister will respond remains unclear, but the issue has sparked nationwide debate over land use, urban planning, and citizens’ rights to public spaces.