The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has made it clear that emotional appeals will not dictate the government’s stance on the redevelopment of Jabi Lake. His comments come as a firm rebuttal to a viral plea from the senior pastor of Family Worship Centre, Sarah Omakwu, who had publicly urged the minister to protect the recreation area from being handed over to private developers.
The situation gained significant attention after Pastor Omakwu shared a video on social media where she was seen on her knees, begging the minister to keep the facility accessible to the public rather than prioritizing private interests. However, Wike remains focused on what he describes as a necessary correction of land use in the capital city.
Addressing the matter on Wednesday, Wike explained that his administration inherited a deeply flawed arrangement at the lake. He noted that the site had been held by a specific company for over 15 years with almost nothing to show for it. According to the minister, the area, which was originally intended to be a world-class entertainment hub, had essentially devolved into a cluster of shanties that posed both aesthetic and security risks.
Wike questioned the logic behind the emotional display, emphasizing that the land belongs to the public and must be managed effectively. He recounted a personal visit to the site where he observed that the presence of shanties was negatively impacting nearby businesses, including hotels, and potentially providing cover for criminal activities.
Consequently, the previous allocation has been revoked. The minister stated that the government is now looking for capable investors who can actually deliver on the site’s potential. He insisted that any new arrangement would be governed by strict conditions to ensure the land is developed promptly. For Wike, the priority is moving away from a decade of stagnation toward a functional, modern space that serves the city’s interests, regardless of public appeals for leniency.
