In a deeply emotional appeal that has gone viral, Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre Abuja, Pastor Sarah Omakwu, knelt on her knees during a church service to beg the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, not to allocate the popular Jabi Lake Recreation Centre for private development.

In a video shared on her Instagram page on Sunday, Pastor Omakwu paused mid-service, went down on her knees at the pulpit, and passionately addressed the FCT Minister.

“I cannot fight the Minister of the FCT. I cannot,” she said. “But I go on my knees as a mother in this land that Jabi Lake Recreation Centre should not be given to anybody.”

The respected pastor highlighted the importance of the recreational space to ordinary residents of Abuja. She noted that Jabi Lake is where people go for exercise, relaxation, small businesses, social meetings, and even weddings.

“I beg you, Mr. Minister, in the name of God Almighty, as a mother, to not sell that land to anybody,” she pleaded. “Leave it for everybody.”

Her emotional appeal has sparked conversations about the preservation of public spaces in Abuja amid ongoing development projects. Many residents see Jabi Lake as one of the few remaining green and recreational areas accessible to the public in the capital city.

While it is not yet clear if the land allocation plans are confirmed, Pastor Omakwu’s bold and humble gesture has drawn widespread attention and praise for standing up for public interest in such a respectful manner.

The video continues to circulate widely on social media as Nigerians react to this rare public plea from a prominent religious leader to one of the country’s most powerful politicians.