Cleric Calls for Valentine’s Day Ban in Nigeria, Citing Immorality
Lagos, Nigeria – Bishop Charles Ighele, the General Superintendent of the Holy Spirit Mission in Ikeja, Lagos State, has ignited a debate by calling for a ban on Valentine’s Day celebrations across Nigeria. In a recent interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ighele voiced concerns about the day’s association with illicit sexual behavior and its deviation from its originally intended purpose.
According to Bishop Ighele, Valentine’s Day has been distorted into a promotion of romantic relationships, overshadowing its historical roots in charitable acts and assistance to those in need. He argues that the holiday is a “deception from the devil,” designed to establish a universal day of immorality.
“Unfortunately, many boys, girls, and even married individuals have been misled by this distorted concept of love, disregarding the true ‘agape’ love as described in the Bible,” Bishop Ighele stated. He further connected the day to the figure of Cupid, whom he described as a “romantic demon” and “one of the rulers of the darkness of this world,” referencing Ephesians 6:11-12.
Elaborating on this connection, Ighele pointed out that Cupid, the Roman equivalent of the Greek god Eros, is the etymological source of the word “erotic.” He cited dictionary definitions of “erotic” as “relating to or tending to arouse sexual desire or excitement,” arguing that the celebration of Valentine’s Day inspires such feelings and promotes sexual entertainment, thereby institutionalizing sex.
Bishop Ighele asserted that Cupid influences people to designate February 14th as a day for indulging in sexual activities and distorting the true meaning of love. “The Bible clearly states that ‘God is love,’ and it is certain that God would not endorse this type of celebration,” he emphasized.
Therefore, the cleric urged Nigerian authorities to prohibit the celebration of Valentine’s Day due to its perceived negative impact on the nation’s youth. He stressed the collective responsibility of the government, religious institutions, educational bodies, and families to foster a culture of positive social values. A ban, he believes, would “redeem people from destruction.”
NAN reports that Valentine’s Day, also known as Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is an annual celebration held on February 14th. While it originated as a Christian feast honoring a martyred saint named Valentine, it has evolved into a widespread cultural and commercial celebration of romance and love in many parts of the world.
Despite not being a public holiday in Nigeria, Valentine’s Day holds significant cultural and, within the Catholic Church, religious importance as a celebration of romance. However, it’s worth noting that some countries, often due to religious beliefs, do not observe the holiday. This call for a ban in Nigeria highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the celebration and its perceived impact on societal values.
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