honeric01:
Lagos (AFP) - Authorities in Nigeria's financial capital Lagos have shut down churches across the city after a glut of complaints over noisy worship.

The chaotic megacity's environmental protection department said it had sealed off 22 premises on Wednesday after receiving dozens of calls a day, according to local newspaper reports.

Neighbours of one church -- Jesus Our Lord Divine Catholic Prayer Ministry -- said they were constantly disturbed by a congregation of mainly pregnant women, young mothers and their children.

"On my phone alone, I get 20 SMS on a daily basis," said Adebola Shabi, head of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, according to the national daily New Telegraph.

"In the next five years, if there is no stringent policy on the siting of religious houses, there will be problem."

Constant noise -- from the the thumping beats of loud music, the beep of car horns and the noise of generator engines -- is the soundtrack to Lagos life and is seen by many as part of its charm.

But residents are complaining in unprecedented numbers that they can barely hear themselves think among the churches and mosques where giant loudspeakers pump out religious messages and music.

Officials receive around 50 telephone calls and 20 text messages a day complaining about noise, mostly from churches, the New Telegraph said.

"With the enforcement today, we would have sealed about 55 premises because the last enforcement we carried out, we shut 33 premises," Shabi told reporters.

"I gave approval for closure of 22 premises today, making 55."

Religion is big business in Lagos, a city of around 20 million which has seen more than 6,000 traditional and alternative places of worship spring up in recent years, according to the authorities.

Shabi said the churches would be allowed to reopen after paying fines starting at 50,000 naira ($250, 225 euros).

http://news.yahoo.com/nigeria-shuts-down-churches-over-noisy-worship-142621276.html

cc: Seun, Front page material.

Chiaka:


What about the loud 'Allah Akubar' Worship alerts in the morning? Nigeria is a complex country

walemadu:
mosques make noise 5 times a day. and none gets shut?

ammyluv2002:
Nothing like "end time" here! Come to my area, you will see like 5 churches on one street, who will attend those five churches?

They won't allow you enjoy your evening and every last friday of the month na die

I'm a proud Christian but i think, they should be checked.

mutiply:
Am so dissapionted by this post of yours. If you are living close to this churches, you will understand what others are facing.

osemu8:
churches has to merge,too many churches,

Arbiola:
Dear,the major reason God sent us to earth,is to broadcast,evangelize and the most important,win souls to his kingdom...... Why don't they go and shut down all those club houses... Why Churches?
For all I care,all the houses in Nigeria could be demolished, and churches built.... What Nigeria really needs now is Prayer,Prayer and Prayer!!!!!!

IceDude:
Please they should come and shut down this mumu noisy church opposite our compound...........2day na dia night vigil, i nor know how sleep wan take catch me this night sef

42une:


you must be one of the anti-Christ.... I'm sure you don't go to church. REPENT!

khalhokage:
Yes! Finally. I hope this spreads across the country.
How can a group of people just take it upon themselves to disturb public peace?
Sometimes you'll see a tiny church of not more than 15 members with huge loud speakers mounted outside making noise with their minister screaming at the top of his lungs.

shejane:
And what happen to 5am noise every morning from the mosque?

shejane:
And what happen to 5am noise every morning from the mosque?

starlingslimnet:
Shut them all down I support it 100%

olashas:



There are two on my street. They 'compete' every day

Vince77:
how did he do it?

Revolva:


Shut up wit ur religious bigotry toughts who want to stop u....from ur church going....infact do u think going to church can save ur life..or maake u rich or ave a betterlife....they should even lock more churches in lagos cos they r full of nonsense....noise everywhere....in my street alone more than 12 churches....from startin till endin of d street....noise everywhere Monday to Friday service....not to talk on sunday....rubbish. Church n mosque everywhere d country is worst

Arbiola:
Church is also an avenue through which souls are won.... Shutting down churches for the benefit of their pocket,will never make this country a better place.

fragile96:
Shut down all churches, shut down evry pastor's mouth, but God's word will still stand, He said He will mke trees and stones to proclaim His word if ye refuse to.

Megaphones should be banned not shutting dwn of churches, how many club house has been shut dwn coz of noise pollution or how many mosque has been shut dwn, coz dey arnt left our in dis too.

God is God, no one can stop Him

Olayinka8793:
by storming the church,stopping the music and angrily complaining of disturbance,soon many people who lived near the church gathered,some supporting him and others trying to make peace.
The man insist and the church vacate next day.

Arbiola:
Dear,the major reason God sent us to earth,is to broadcast,evangelize and the most important,win souls to his kingdom...... Why don't they go and shut down all those club houses... Why Churches?
For all I care,all the houses in Nigeria could be demolished, and churches built.... What Nigeria really needs now is Prayer,Prayer and Prayer!!!!!!

ajepako:


I didn't say they don't..
I said they don't make noise for as long and as continuous as churches do..

Arbiola:
Dear,the major reason God sent us to earth,is to broadcast,evangelize and the most important,win souls to his kingdom...... Why don't they go and shut down all those club houses... Why Churches?
For all I care,all the houses in Nigeria could be demolished, and churches built.... What Nigeria really needs now is Prayer,Prayer and Prayer!!!!!!