The senior pastor of Family Worship Centre, Abuja, Sarah Omakwu, has appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to stop plans that could lead to the development of the Jabi Lake recreation area for private use or housing-related projects.

Emotional Appeal While Kneeling

In a video shared on her Instagram page, Omakwu was seen kneeling as she directly addressed the FCT minister, describing her appeal as a plea to preserve one of Abuja’s key public spaces.

She said the Jabi Lake Recreation Area should remain accessible to all residents, stressing its importance for exercise, leisure, and social interaction.

“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.

Concerns Over Loss of Public Recreation Space

Omakwu warned that continued conversion of public spaces in Abuja could further reduce access to communal recreational areas.

She described Jabi Lake as a vital location where families, young people, and residents gather for relaxation and community engagement.

The cleric also referenced past restrictions on other public areas in the capital, expressing concern about the gradual erosion of open civic spaces.

“I can’t fight you. But I can beg you in the name of God Almighty that that land be left for everybody,” she added.

Praise for Ongoing Infrastructure Projects

Despite her appeal, Omakwu commended Wike for infrastructure improvements across the Federal Capital Territory, particularly road construction projects that she said have eased transportation in the city.

She stated, “I want to thank you for all the highways you have built around the city… You have made my journey to my home a whole lot easier.”

Background on Jabi Lake Development Plan

The appeal comes amid plans by the Federal Capital Territory Administration to collaborate with private developers on the redevelopment of the Jabi Lake area into a tourism and recreation hub.

The initiative is part of broader efforts to boost investment, tourism, and urban renewal in Abuja while expanding economic opportunities through public-private partnerships.

Growing Debate on Public Space Use

The proposal has triggered public discussion over the balance between urban development and the preservation of public recreational spaces in the capital.

While authorities maintain that redevelopment will enhance Abuja’s economic profile, critics argue that key leisure spaces must be protected for public use to maintain livability in the city.

The post Abuja Pastor Kneels to Beg Wike Over Jabi Lake Housing and Development Plan appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports of a structural collapse at the Kugbo Bus Terminal, insisting that the facility remains intact despite recent damage to its roofing.

Speaking after an inspection tour of key infrastructure projects across the capital, Wike clarified that the incident was caused by a windstorm, not a construction failure.

According to him, strong winds tore off parts of the roofing sheets at the yet-to-be-commissioned terminal, which is located on elevated terrain in Kugbo, making it more vulnerable to extreme weather conditions.

“The terminal did not collapse. What happened was that a very strong windstorm blew off parts of the roof. The building itself remains structurally sound,” he said.

The minister noted that such incidents are not uncommon globally, especially in areas exposed to severe weather, adding that no lives were lost and repair work is already underway to reinstall the damaged roofing.

His clarification comes amid growing public concern over building safety standards in Nigeria, particularly following recent incidents involving structural failures.

Wike, however, maintained that the Kugbo facility does not fall into that category, stressing that there was no compromise to the core structure of the terminal.

Beyond the incident, the minister expressed satisfaction with the pace of infrastructure development across the FCT, stating that contractors have remained committed to meeting delivery timelines.

He disclosed that major road projects under construction are expected to be completed by May 15, while streetlight installations across several districts will be finalised before the end of May.

In Gaduwa district, Wike said he had directed the installation of protective mesh along road corridors to prevent traders from encroaching on newly developed infrastructure.

He also highlighted progress on the Wassa informal sector project, describing it as a significant step toward relocating artisans, particularly mechanics, to a more organised and functional environment.

According to him, the project contractor, CGC Nigeria Limited, has assured the government of completion by the end of May, with plans already underway to facilitate the relocation process.

Wike emphasised that the FCT administration’s approach to project execution is anchored on accountability and mutual commitment between government and contractors.

“In Abuja, once contracts are awarded, contractors are expected to deliver, and the government meets its obligations. That understanding has helped sustain progress,” he said.

On project commissioning, Wike suggested that while Bola Ahmed Tinubu may not personally attend all events due to scheduling constraints, some projects could be inaugurated by designated representatives.

He reaffirmed that the administration remains focused on delivering infrastructure that improves the livelihoods of residents, while maintaining quality and transparency in execution.

The post Wike Denies Kugbo Terminal Collapse, Blames Windstorm for Roof Damage appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Nyesom Wike, has announced a strategic partnership with the government of Japan to review and modernise the 1979 Abuja Master Plan.

The move is aimed at aligning the capital city’s development with present realities and future demands up to the year 2050.

Japan to support Abuja redesign

The announcement followed a courtesy visit by a high-level Japanese delegation to the FCT Ministry in Abuja.

The delegation was led by Suzuki Hideo and Ishigame Keiji of the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

The engagement underscores renewed collaboration between Nigeria and Japan in urban planning and infrastructure development.

Wike acknowledged Japan’s role in Abuja’s original design, noting that the country played a critical role in shaping the city’s foundational layout.

“On behalf of the FCT Administration, I appreciate the relationship between Nigeria and Japan. I am fully aware of the projects through JICA. The design of Abuja was done by Japan, and now they need to look at it again in order to carry out further structural development,” Wike said.

Aligning Abuja with modern realities

The proposed review of the Abuja Master Plan is expected to address rapid urban expansion, infrastructure gaps and emerging development challenges in the capital city.

By updating the plan, the government aims to ensure more sustainable urban growth, improved infrastructure planning and better service delivery for residents.

The initiative will also focus on long-term planning strategies to accommodate population growth and evolving economic activities within the FCT.

Strengthening Nigeria-Japan cooperation

Wike commended the Japanese government for its continued support in Nigeria’s development, particularly in key sectors such as education, health and nutrition.

He specifically highlighted Japan’s contributions to capacity building, including the training of Nigerian teachers in Tokyo.

The partnership with Japan, facilitated through JICA, is expected to bring technical expertise, global best practices and advanced urban planning strategies into the redevelopment of Abuja.

Experts say the review of the master plan could significantly reshape the capital’s development trajectory, ensuring it meets international standards as a modern city.

The post Wike, Japan Partner to Update Abuja Master Plan for 2050 appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

A growing wave of residential and commercial construction is increasingly encroaching on Abuja’s designated green spaces, raising fresh concerns about the long-term environmental health of Nigeria’s capital city.

Despite Abuja’s Master Plan mandating large green buffers, parks and open zones for drainage, air quality and ecological balance, several districts — including Wuse, Asokoro and Guzape — are witnessing the conversion of legally protected green areas into new housing estates and private developments.

Urban planners warn that the trend threatens Abuja’s identity as a planned, environmentally balanced capital. Experts say unchecked construction reduces natural drainage channels, increases urban heat levels, strains water and power systems, and pushes the city closer to recurrent flooding.

Legal experts also question the authority to reassign public green areas, which fall under the FCT Parks and Gardens Agency established by Federal Government Gazette. Some ongoing projects, they argue, may be violating existing court orders and development control regulations.

Environmental groups are calling on the FCT Administration to review recent allocations, halt further encroachment and restore green spaces where possible.

They insist Abuja’s sustainability depends on strict adherence to the original Master Plan rather than short-term revenue interests.

As Nigeria’s capital continues to expand, stakeholders warn that the loss of green infrastructure could inflict long-term ecological and social damage and undermine the city’s livability for future generations.

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