A senior cleric in Abuja has publicly appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to halt any move that could transfer the Jabi Lake Recreation Centre into private hands, warning that such a decision could deprive residents of one of the city’s most valued communal spaces.
The appeal came from Sarah Omakwu, Senior Pastor of the Family Worship Centre, who addressed the issue in an emotional video posted on her social media platform. In the footage, she was seen kneeling at the pulpit while making a direct plea to the minister, underscoring the depth of her concern about the future of the lakeside facility.
According to a report published by The Punch on Monday, May 4, 2026, Omakwu framed her intervention not as a political confrontation but as a heartfelt request rooted in civic responsibility. She emphasized that the recreation centre plays a vital role in the daily lives of Abuja residents, functioning as a hub for exercise, relaxation, and social engagement.
“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.
Her remarks highlight growing public sensitivity around the management of shared urban spaces in the nation’s capital. The Jabi Lake area has long served as a gathering point for families, young people, and fitness enthusiasts, offering an accessible environment for leisure and community interaction.
Omakwu warned that converting the site into a privately controlled development could significantly limit public access and erode its communal value.
She further noted that beyond its recreational function, the location contributes to social cohesion by providing a neutral, open setting where residents from different backgrounds can interact freely. Preserving such spaces, she suggested, is essential to maintaining the quality of urban life in Abuja.
While expressing her concerns, the cleric also acknowledged ongoing development efforts led by the FCT administration. She commended Wike for recent road infrastructure projects, which she said have improved transportation and mobility across the capital city.
Her appeal, however, stressed that progress should be balanced with the preservation of public assets.
