Lagos receives 2,500 petitions against churches, mosques over noise pollution

Chairman, Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (Muslim)NIREC, Lagos State Chapter, Dr. Abdulahi Shuaib; Dr Mrs Ashiru Ajoke Shariyu; Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on religious matters, (Christian), Rev. Bukola Adeleke; LASEPA General Manager, Dr Babatunde Ajayi (middle); Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on Religious matters (Muslim), Mr Jebe Abdulahi and the Chairman,Christian Council of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, Archbishop Adekoya Olafimihan in a group photograph at a- day’s Stakeholders’ meeting by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) for the leadership and members of religious organisations in Lagos State towards minimising noises from worship places.

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) said it received over 2,500 petitions in weeks against churches and mosques for noise pollution.

LASEPA general manager Babatunde Ajayi said this at a stakeholders’ meeting with leadership and members of religious organisations in the state.

The meeting held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, was aimed at fostering collaboration and dialogue between the agency and religious leaders to address the issues surrounding noise pollution and its impact on community well-being or else they would be prosecuted.

Speaking at the meeting, the General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, said the importance of collective efforts in finding lasting solutions to the issue of noises from the worship places needs the support of religious leaders to balance freedom of religion with community well-being.

Ajayi highlighted the importance of religious organizations adhering to government regulations and principles in achieving the vision for a noiseless Lagos that will be of benefit to the general public.

While emphasising the need for religious centers to use soundproof certified by sound engineers, Ajayi advised them to equip their facilities with noise meters to enable them to monitor noise levels within their premises during congregation

The General Manager while acknowledging the role of religion in human life, expressed confidence that a resolution beneficial to all parties can be achieved through collaborative efforts and a determination for a better and healthy society .

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters (Christian), Rev. Bukola Adeleke called for the balance approach that preserved religious freedom and respect for the right of members of the public.

Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters (Muslim), Alhaji Jebe Abdulahi, emphasised the importance of collaboration between religious organisations and the government in finding lasting solutions to the issue of noise pollution in Lagos state

The stakeholders parley which was the second in the series,was well attended attended by the representative of various agencies of government and religious organisations (Muslim/Christians) including Imam Tijani Gbajabiamila, Olori Ratibi of Lagos Central Mosque, representative of the Chief Imam of Lagos State,Dr Oluwatoyin Abu Nolla, Imam Lukman Junaid, Chairman, Christian Council of Nigeria, Lagos State, Archbishop Adekoya Olafimihan, Co.Chairman, Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) Lagos State chapter, Dr Abdulahi Shuaib, other NIREC members from the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs, Archbishop Dr. Yemi Fatade representing Pentecostal Denominations, Pastor Dele Jayeoba, representing the General Overseer, RCCG, Representative of RCCG Pastors and legal officers, Bishop Adeleke representative of Noiseless Lagos Ambassadors, Pastor Barnabas, National President, Music Advertisement Association of Nig, Comrade Surajudeen Adewale, among other top dignitaries.

The highlight of the event was the general agreement by the representatives of various religious organisations that noises emanating from the worship places in the State should be minimized considering its impact on human health.
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