Charles Ighele, General Superintendent of the Holy Spirit Mission, has called for a ban on Valentine’s Day celebrations in Nigeria, arguing that the holiday has deviated from its original purpose of promoting charity and humanitarian work. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ighele expressed concerns that Valentine’s Day has become a platform for immoral behavior, particularly among the youth. He believes the holiday now encourages illicit sexual conduct and romantic relationships that are harmful to societal values.
Ighele attributes this shift to the holiday’s association with Cupid, the Roman deity of love, whom he describes as a “romantic demon” that incites sexual desires. He referenced Ephesians 6:11-12, which speaks of spiritual forces of evil, to support his claim that Cupid symbolizes darkness and immorality. Ighele further linked Cupid to Eros, the Greek god of love, from which the term “erotic” is derived. He argued that Valentine’s Day promotes sexual entertainment and exploits human desires, calling it a “universal day of immorality” and a “deception from the devil.”
The bishop urged the Nigerian government, religious institutions, schools, and families to collaborate in promoting redeeming social values and countering the negative influences of Valentine’s Day. He emphasized the need to protect young people from what he sees as the holiday’s corrupting effects, advocating for a return to moral and upright societal standards.
While Ighele’s call for a ban reflects his conservative religious perspective, it also highlights broader concerns about the commercialization and perceived moral decline associated with modern Valentine’s Day celebrations. His remarks have sparked debate, with some supporting his stance on moral grounds, while others view it as an overreach into personal freedoms and cultural practices. Regardless, his call underscores the ongoing tension between tradition, religion, and evolving societal norms in Nigeria.
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