Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State has once again demonstrated that his administration is not against evangelism but rather committed to protecting public health and order through the enforcement of the state’s Noise Pollution Law.
This became evident during the Dunamis International Gospel Centre crusade at the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, where the governor not only attended the event but commended the church for conducting what he described as “quintessential evangelism” without obstructing public movement or causing inconvenience to road users.
Impressed by the orderly conduct of the crusade, Governor Soludo announced that the fees paid by the church for the use of the venue would be refunded. He went further to welcome the church, led by Pastor Paul Enenche, to return to the Ekwueme Square for future programs. The governor also revealed that the venue and its surroundings would soon undergo a major facelift, including enhanced lighting and beautification, in line with Anambra’s identity as “The Light of the Nation.”
Beyond his commendation of the church’s peaceful conduct, Governor Soludo used the opportunity to call on the church to intensify prayers for the spiritual cleansing of Anambra State. He urged religious leaders to support the government’s efforts in rebuilding the moral values of the youth, whom he said his administration had already empowered with skills and entrepreneurship opportunities. According to Soludo, the people of Anambra are known for innovation, hard work, and creativity, not for kidnapping, internet fraud, or drug trafficking. He expressed optimism that with the church’s help in preaching righteousness and godly living, the mindset of the youth would be redirected toward productivity and positive impact.
However, the governor’s gesture comes at a time when misconceptions and false narratives have spread, suggesting that he banned evangelism in Anambra State. This misinformation arose following his recent encounter with an itinerant preacher at Onitsha Market, where he reminded the preacher of the existing law against noise pollution. The truth, as Soludo clarified, is that the Anambra State Public Health Law of 2006, particularly Sections 8(1, 4b) and 9(1, 2), prohibits excessive noise in public places such as markets, streets, and residential areas. The law, which was enacted long before Soludo assumed office, aims to protect public health and ensure a peaceful environment for all residents.
Governor Soludo’s decision to re-emphasize this law is not targeted at religious activities like evangelism, as widely speculated. Rather, it is an effort to curb the growing menace of noise pollution that disturbs public peace and affects the well-being of residents. The governor made it clear that religious preaching is not banned in Anambra but should be conducted within churches or designated venues where people can gather and listen to the word of God without disrupting the activities of others.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Law Mefor also clarified the matter, explaining that the noise pollution law had been enforced in the past, including a case where a magistrate court in Nnewi penalized a church for violating the law in 2019. Mefor further urged the public to disregard the false claims that Soludo is against evangelism, emphasizing that the governor is only enforcing an existing law to maintain public order and protect citizens’ health.
Governor Soludo’s participation in the Dunamis crusade and his open support for the church’s role in moral transformation have further proven that he is not against religious activities. Rather, he seeks to strike a balance between the right to religious expression and the need to create a serene and orderly environment in Anambra State. This move has not only earned him applause from religious leaders but has also strengthened the collaboration between the church and the government in building a safer and more prosperous society.
