Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has announced stricter measures against loud public preaching in markets, emphasizing the need to curb noise pollution.
The governor declared that violators of the new rule would face a ₦500,000 fine.
A video that surfaced online on Saturday captures Soludo confronting a preacher in a bustling market, urging him to stop disrupting traders with amplified sermons.
Speaking to traders at what is believed to be Ochanja Market in Onitsha, Soludo said, “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.”
He added that preachers should rent a private space or conduct their activities within church premises, allowing people to choose whether to attend.
“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,” Soludo stated.
“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.”
The new directive is part of Soludo’s broader effort to restore order and protect public spaces from excessive noise, reinforcing the government’s commitment to public welfare.