Valentine’s Day: Cleric Calls for Ban, Says It Promotes Immorality
The General Superintendent of the Holy Spirit Mission, Ikeja, Lagos, Bishop Charles Ighele, has urged the government to ban the celebration of Valentine’s Day in Nigeria, arguing that it has become a tool for promoting immorality rather than its original purpose of aiding the needy and humanitarian work.
In an interview with journalists in Lagos, Ighele criticised how the occasion has been misinterpreted to promote romantic relationships and illicit sexual activities.
He described it as a deception by the devil to establish a global day of immorality.
“The day is associated with a romantic demon known as Cupid. This demon is one of the rulers of the darkness of this world as found in Ephesians 6 verses 11 and 12. Cupid is the Roman name for the Greek god of love known as Eros. The English word erotic has its root in Eros.
“The dictionary defines the word erotic as relating to or tendency to arouse sexual desire or excitement. The celebration of the day inspires sexual feelings on people and spreads sexual entertainment in order to further institutionalise sex.”
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He further claimed that “Cupid” has influenced people to dedicate February 14 to engaging in acts that distort true love.
“Cupid influenced humans to set aside Feb. 14, as a special day for people to do whatever they want to do with sex and the perversion of true love. The Bible tells us that ‘God is love,’ and it is very certain that God will not want His type of love celebrated this way.”
Ighele, therefore, called on authorities to prohibit Valentine’s Day celebrations, citing their negative impact on young people.
“The ban on the celebration would redeem people from destruction.”
He stressed that it is the responsibility of both the government and non-state institutions like churches, schools, and families to work together in promoting positive cultural values.
“It is the duty of the government and other non-state actors, such as the church, school, and family, to unite to promote cultures of social redeeming values.”
Valentine’s Day, also known as Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is observed annually on February 14.
Initially a Christian feast in honour of a martyr named Valentine, it has since evolved into a global celebration of romance and love.
Though not a public holiday in Nigeria, it remains a culturally significant event.
However, some countries have prohibited its celebration due to religious reasons.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
