Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has issued a strong warning to roadside preachers using loudspeakers in public areas, especially markets, for causing noise pollution and disturbing the peace of residents. The governor announced that anyone found violating the noise pollution regulations would be fined ₦500,000.
A viral video on social media from Saturday shows Governor Soludo confronting an unidentified roadside preacher at a market, urging him to stop disrupting traders with his loud preaching. The governor advised the preacher to conduct his sermons in a church or rent an open field, emphasizing that those interested in his message would seek him out there.
Speaking to traders at what is believed to be Ochanja Market in Onitsha, Governor Soludo stated, “If you want to preach the word of God, go to your church. You are causing noise pollution here. You cannot come to a marketplace and disturb everyone. If you want to preach, go to a church. Those who want to listen will come to you; you cannot force people in the market to hear your message.”
He further emphasized, “This is a marketplace, not a church. You are violating the law. You cannot take over a public space and turn it into a church. Otherwise, you will be charged for using this space. You will pay ₦500,000 because we cannot allow this. We have banned loudspeakers in markets due to noise pollution, which affects people’s eardrums. You cannot force people to listen to your preaching. We are cracking down on fake pastors and prophets in Anambra.”
Governor Soludo’s actions highlight his administration’s commitment to maintaining order and reducing noise pollution in public spaces, ensuring a more peaceful environment for residents and traders alike.
